Meeting Walter Gramlich

As part of our residency in Maxdorf, Germany, Matchbox interviewed local ecologists and the Mayor as a way of introducing us to the Heidlewald. In these short videos, we learn about the different local biodiversity initiatives that are taking place in the area, the history of the Heidewald, and the importance of the surrounding meadows. These videos give you a glimpse into how we are building a network of local experts who will contribute to the creation of 3 WOODS in Germany.

Walter Gramlich

The Heidewald is very much a human built landscape. Over centuries locals drained wetlands, planted trees and then harvested them, burned beetle infected pines, and even grazed sheep. Ecologist Walter Gramlich knows this history and the current state of the woods well. For 30 years he sat as chairman and co-founder of the Heidewald chapter of Naturschutzbund Deutschland eV (NABU)—a nature conservation organization. In this introductory video Walter discusses the history of the Heidewald, the geological features that make this area unique, and the eventual introduction of Robinia trees in the mid-19th century. Now a naturalized species in the area, the Robinia has become a cultural asset for Maxdorf. Through the efforts of NABU and conservationists attempts at repurposing the land have been halted and newer micro-landscapes have been introduced for insect and amphibians.

We ask Walter: what can residents of Maxdorf do to build relationships with the non-human world in the Heidewald?