Butterfies’ garden — An urban habitat for biodiversity and community learning (Germany)
Project description
This project focuses on creating a community-led butterfly garden at Dammweg 216 in Neukölln, Berlin, within a creative nature learning centre. The garden will serve as a space for both habitat creation and environmental education, developed collaboratively through hands-on workshops.
Threats
Habitat loss & degradation
Impact of agricultural practices
Participants will learn how to create pollinator-friendly spaces at different scales—from gardens to balconies and windowsills—using simple, accessible approaches. The project places a strong emphasis on native pollinators, particularly butterflies, helping people understand their life cycle, habitat needs and the threats they face.
Through workshops, guided walks and community activities, the project raises awareness of the role of pollinators in ecosystems and encourages active participation in conservation. It also promotes citizen science by inviting participants to contribute to butterfly monitoring and ongoing care of the garden, fostering a lasting connection between people and nature in an urban setting.
Project objectives
The project aims to contribute to the conservation of butterflies in Neukölln by creating and maintaining a pollinator-friendly habitat within the community. It seeks to raise ecological awareness among a diverse audience, including children, young people and adults from different cultural backgrounds.
The project also aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to support pollinators in their own homes and neighbourhoods.
Finally, it aims to encourage ongoing engagement in conservation through citizen science and community-led activities.
Project activities
- Create a community butterfly garden: Develop a pollinator-friendly garden at Dammweg 216 through participatory workshops.
- Deliver guided walks and learning activities: Organise walks to explore local flora and fauna and understand urban biodiversity.
- Run workshops on pollinator-friendly practices: Teach participants how to create butterfly habitats at home and raise awareness of pollinators.
- Monitor butterflies: Engage the community in tracking butterfly species and contributing to monitoring efforts.
- Maintain the garden collectivel: Involve participants in the ongoing care and management of the butterfly garden.
