The Hochschule Niederrhein is setting an example for sustainability and biodiversity: on Tuesday, 28 May, volunteers sowed seeds for wildflower meadows in a campaign organized by the Sustainability and Diversity Office.

University staff and students responded to the call to come along and take part in the campaign on the Mönchengladbach campus.

After welcoming words from University Chancellor Professor Dr. Fabienne Köller-Marek and a short briefing with practical tips and tricks from Reiner Gaspers, gardener specializing in horticulture and landscaping, the helpers took care of the various areas.

First, they loosened the soil with rakes. In the next step, they spread the seed mixtures, which they worked into the soil with a rake. In the final step, the soil was flattened with a roller.

The ten different seed mixtures include varieties such as red and white clover, mallow, meadow knapweed, dandelion, thyme, purple coneflower, lavender and St. John's wort. In just a few weeks, they will provide a habitat for bumblebees, wild bees, butterflies and other insects. The flowers bloom at different times, so that the campus will display a colorful diversity over a long period of time.

"Experience has shown that many of our university members always want to make their own small contribution to greater sustainability in such hands-on activities. It's fun and creates a sense of community. Now we are all looking forward to the sight of the flowering meadows that will be here in a few weeks' time," says Dr. Dorothee Renker, Head of the Sustainability and Diversity Support Office at The Hochschule Niederrhein.

At the same time, the university is also working to improve the quality of life on the Mönchengladbach campus. In May 2023, this joint campaign already took place on four different areas at Krefeld South Campus.