Excursion 1: Volkacher Main loop, quince nature trail, vineyards, dry grasslands and pollinators – 1 day excursion with Fabienne Maihoff; Fabian Bötzl and Hanno Korten
The area around Volkach is a wine area with beautiful sceneries and famous white wines. Nearby are a fantastic quince nature trail and a nature reserve with a dry sandy grassland along the river of Main. It is known for endangered plant species, cicindelids and butterflies. On the way from east towards the north of Würzburg we will stop at two villages, which take part in the research project “Dorfbienen-Projekt” to enhance pollinator diversities in villages. Finally, the tour will stop in the nature reserve Höhfeldplatte, a calcareous grassland with numerous orchids, butterflies and grasshoppers.
Excursion 2: Nutrient-poor grassland and coppice with standards forests of Bad Windsheim– sun-drenched habitats – 1 day excursion with Sven Finnberg and Simon Thorn
The area around Bad Windsheim is home to extremely species-rich nutrient-poor grasslands and coppice with standards forests, which are managed on the basis of scientific evidence. The dry grasslands of the gypsum hills are the habitat of the rare plant Pheasant's eye Adonis vernalis and the rare long horn beetle Iberodorcadion fuliginator. The light oak forests are home to the Eastern egger (Eriogaster catax), the Scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) and the stag beetle Lucanus cervus. We will visit both important habitats and experimental research areas in these habitats. At lunchtime, we will stop at the traditional Schwarzer Adler restaurant in Oberntief.
Excursion 3: The University Forest Sailershausen – high diversity in tree species and research projects – 1 day excursion with Daniel Kraus und Jörg Müller
When Julius Echter founded the University of Würzburg in 1582; he bequeathed around 2500 hectares of forest and land from former monastery property to the University of Würzburg as an endowment. The monastery property of Kreuzthal and Mariaburghausen formed a major part of this. Today, the University Forest covers an area of 2176 ha. The forest is characterised by an extremely high diversity of tree species, including rare species such as the Service tree Sorbus domestica, the Wild service tree Sorbus torminalis and the European wild pear Pyrus pyraster. Various research projects are being carried out in the University Forest. Among others, research is being conducted on experimentally heterogeneous forest areas as part of the DFG research group BETA-FOR. We will visit these experimental areas and also get an insight into the management of the University Forestry Office. Lunch will be held in the form of a barbecue with wild boar sausages at the Schnackenlochhütte.
Excursion 4: Grainberg-Kalbenstein and Saupurzel nature reserve (Main-Franconian dry grassland between Karlstadt and Gambach) – 1 day excursion with Gerd Vogg
The Grainberg-Kalbenstein and Saupurzel nature reserve exists since 1941. It was extended to 302 hectares in 2005. It stretches for around five kilometres on the western slope of the River Main between Karlstadt and Gambach. The dry area with less than 600 millimetres of rainfall per year is one of the richest in flora in the whole of Franconia.
Even if the beginning of September is not the best time to experience the variety of plants in bloom, it is worth to walk through this area. Mediterranean and steppe-like flora elements can be found in a mosaic of thermophilic plant communities.
Nature is also surrounded by exciting geological formations such as the imposing limestone wall (Lower Muschelkalk/Wellenkalk) above the banks of the Main. The beautiful views into the Main valley are impressive.
Please bring a picnic pack and plenty to drink for your lunch break. The area is somewhat exposed and can be very windy.
Excursion 5: The Würzburg residence and historical city centre – 0.5 day guided tour by Oliver Mitesser
This tour in the historic centre of Würzburg begins in the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, built around 250 years ago in the late Baroque period by the prince bishops of Würzburg. After visiting the magnificent halls, we cross the city centre, have a look at the cathedral and the old town hall. At the end of the tour, a glass of wine (“Brückenschoppen”) or grape juice on the old Main Bridge is a must. (Walking distance approx. 2 km). Afterwards, numerous restaurants invite you to have lunch (not included).
Minimum 15 maximum 25 participants
15 € per person (entrance fee and glass of wine included)
