Stage 2
Originally it was a tadpole rescue operation by children. When we were still active in the Scuola Vivante. This has developed into a 3.5 ha rehabilitation project (see overview below). We continue to support and promote this project.
Finding the ideal time window for the implementation of stage 2 was not easy. January and February 2020 were characterised by warm, wet weather. The removal and shifting of the approximately 1200 m3 masses of earth with heavy machinery requires frozen or dry soil. Compaction and the associated soil damage caused by excavators and transporters must and should be avoided.
Difficult in the Rietli, originally a moorland area, drained during the land improvement, but can only be cultivated by the farmer when the ground is dry. Close pedological monitoring by experts was necessary. On 15 March, the green light was given for implementation. The beginning of an ideal two-week window of opportunity, the start of the 1st Corona Lockdown. Plenty of time for the local population to participate in what was happening.
Overview Stage 2
Different zones and water depths mark the site. Dark blue are the permanent water areas, which are deeper than the outlet structure. Light blue and shaded blue is the temporary intake area, which promotes litter vegetation. This can be drained for management in autumn/winter. The southern water bodies are separated from the main water body. Only rainfall fills these side waters in the meantime. This creates different water and temperature conditions.
Preparation and excavation
In preparation for the excavation, the elevation model is transferred to the project area.
Removing and separating the topsoil (humus layer), the clay layers and the peat requires a lot of sensitivity and experience. Loamy material is used as waterproofing in the water areas. Topsoil and peat are temporarily stored and later distributed to the neighbouring fields as soil enhancement.
Logs and excavator pads were used to prevent compaction of the soil.
Pond Monk
The regulation of the water level is ensured by a pond monk as an outlet structure. This allows the water level to be adjusted individually. The pond monk was anchored on a concrete slab and connected to the existing pipeline in the direction of Röllbach.
Spring opening
The preparation at the spring requires a lot of experience and care. Around 60 litres/minute are supplied by the spring impetus, which was previously discharged directly into the Röllbach. The moment of opening on 2 April 2020, with simultaneous closure of the existing underground discharge, is eagerly awaited.
Interest and joy
The population is taking part in the project with great interest. People recognise and appreciate the upgrading of their living space. The project team has been overwhelmed with positive feedback from the population.
Living space
The Rietli enhancement project, a habitat for endangered plant and animal species and a local recreation area for people.
Overview of stages
The Rietli Buchs is an area with high ecological potential. This will be reactivated and combined into a habitat mosaic.
Stage 1 – Forest edge and dry stone wall
This stage was realised with the help of experts and the active cooperation of the pupils of Scuola Vivante – at a time when the Climate Youth was actively drawing attention to the ecological state of our planet
Upgrading of around 70 acres of forest edge through targeted thinning with an average cultivation depth of 25 m. Planting of around 100 different native hedge shrubs.
Removal of the old dry stone wall and reconstruction of a new one 60 m long and 1 m high. Planting of 38 species of wild shrub seedlings on the slope and top of the wall.
Website
Guiltless, learning path and information
As part of the collaboration of the pupils of the Scuola Vivante, a first website with a multifaceted school blog is being created. This becomes a learning path, knowledge transfer and information platform.
rietli-buchs.ch
Stage 2 – Water
Spring opening and wetland area
Enhancement of about 70 acres in the northern part of the site. For the creation of water and wetland areas, 33 acres of topsoil were removed and the existing spring was opened to form a stream that feeds this shallow water area. The rest will develop into extensive flower meadows
Stage 3 – Connections
Connecting the biodiversity areas
Extension of the project area towards the south, linking with the existing biodiversity promotion areas
Adjacent, in the drier areas, flower meadows and tall herbaceous vegetation as well as an upgraded forest edge complement the wetland areas
