The area around the Malberg lake in Hausen / Wied is becoming increasingly overgrown and valuable dry habitats are being lost. To counteract this, the local community has launched an exciting landscape conservation project with goats. Especially in the difficult-to-access area with steep slopes around the Malberg lake, goats are suitable for removing overgrowth and creating greater heterogeneity. Due to their feeding behavior, they are the ideal helpers to counteract scrub encroachment in a natural way. As the goat eats herbs, branches, grasses and twigs as well as plants that are often not eaten by other animals, the possible range of applications is almost inexhaustible.
The 20 or so animals at Malberg come from the Kucharz family farm "Landschaftspflege mit Ziegen" in Buchholz. Through the constant purchase and rescue of goats throughout Germany, more than 140 animals have been collected over the last 12 years and have found their place in active nature conservation.
The project in the Wiedtal runs from April to September. The Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park is supporting the €20,000 project with 80% funding from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Safeguarding biodiversity as well as landscape conservation and development are important priorities for the nature park. Landscape conservation with goats also creates a tourist attraction for interested visitors. The chairwomen of the nature park, Princess Isabelle zu Wied and District Administrator Achim Hallerbach, were therefore also present at the project launch on site. Local mayor Carmen Boden and representatives from the nature park and the Wiedtal tourism association were also present.
Hikes with goats around the Malberg are offered on certain dates. Different animals are used here than for landscape conservation. This is because each animal has its own character and different abilities. The balanced and calm nature of the goats has a positive effect on mind, soul and body. Only the animals set the pace here. Bookable dates are April 30, May 21, June 25, July 23, August 13 and September 24. Each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment at www.lpmz.de or by phone 02683 - 943885. Adults pay €16.50, children €10.00. Individual appointments can also be booked for groups.
