A millennia-old history, kestrels and a dreamlike garden – employees, family and friends of the Daniel Schlegel Umweltstiftung were guests at the unique Fischbeck Abbey in Hessisch Oldendorf. The visit took place over the weekend of the 9th to 11th June 2023. During a guided tour of the abbey garden and the cemetery, we were able to learn a lot about the abbey, its history and its commitment to nature conservation. We were invited and welcomed by abbess Katrin Woitrack herself, after the foundation had financed the planting of eight new large trees in the cemetery, the abbey garden and the meadow behind the south barn.
There was great joy on both sides when the planted trees were inspected and watered together on Saturday. Colourful flower combinations, lush herb beds and various old trees could be admired in the abbey garden. Two kestrels and their young high up in the abbey wall were a highlight. At lunchtime, we went to an old half-timbered house in the historic centre of Hamelin. In the afternoon, the group went on an excursion to the abbey forest with forester Frank Heepe. The devastating effects of climate change on our forests were clearly visible and difficult to bear. Many trees cannot withstand the drought stress of the last 5 years. Nevertheless, the hike was interesting and very informative.
In the evening, the group rounded off the exciting but exhausting day with dinner together at a friend’s house in Rumbeck. Sunday was the day of departure. The Foundation would like to thank abbess Katrin Woitack for her invitation and hospitality.
