Image: “Heuwiesl”
The bees fly on Jürgen Wiesinger. And guinea pigs, rabbits and goats eat out of his hands. Because the Seewalchner gives them living space and a feeling of satiety at the same time. It all started three years ago.
Corona lockdown, although there is time, but no opportunity to meet many friends. “I was really out in nature a lot,” says Wiesinger. He didn’t have to go far, because there is a 2,000 square meter meadow directly behind his house. Although it was still leased, an idea arose from it. “I thought it would be nice to turn it into a wildflower meadow,” he says. Thought, done.
But not in any way: “First of all, I had to read up on it. My father worked in agriculture and I noticed everything, but it still wasn’t that easy,” says the Seewalchner. Above all, not Wiesinger’s concept: careful management should result in nutrient-rich feed for small animals.
A maximum of two cuts per year should preserve wildflowers and herbs in the meadow. No pesticides, no artificial fertilizers. “Every living being counts,” says Wiesinger. Lovingly restored vintage cars are used for the work, and cutter bars are used “just like in the old days”. Wiesinger sells the harvest as “Heuwuzzal “Heubinkerl” or “Streuwuzzal” in a compostable net or tied with hemp cord. His target group: pets. But also goats or ponies.
“We have now been able to encourage a farmer on the neighboring property. Now we can use 3,000 square meters there too,” says Wiesinger. Wiesinger’s meadow is blooming lushly: insects and butterflies are buzzing around, sunflowers are growing, and bumblebees live in boxes made by Lebenshilfe.
“My goal is to get the product on the market,” says the trained mechanical engineer. Wiesinger and his “Heuwiesl” are also nominated for the “Feronia” for his handling of flora and fauna. The sustainability prize is awarded by the OÖN in cooperation with the Oberbank and the state of Upper Austria. “That would of course be a nice thing,” says Wiesinger.
- The OÖN is awarding the prize for sustainability for the second time after its premiere last year. The aim is to bring the topics of ecology, sustainability and climate protection into the center of society. Companies, associations and initiatives can still apply until February 10th. More info can be found here.
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