Preamble

By building a "living gene bank" we are part of creating a unique gene reservoir of old and exceptional fruit varieties and crops in middle Thuringia (Nottleben, Cobstädt and Seebergen). These fruit and plant varieties represent the entire spectrum of possible varieties in our climate zone.

Ark of Diversity - Creation of a natural garden exhibition

The main goal is to preserve our cultural heritage of fruit and crop varieties and to present it to visitors. We are creating an island of biodiversity in which rare plants and animals can find a habitat. Th place in Cobstädt was chosen because of the good location conditions, the central location and the good road connections. For the realistaion of this project we are working closely together with several german organisations and initiatives that show commitment for preserving cultivated plants. Among those are Deutscher Pomologenverein, Verein Region der Vielfalt e.V., Arche Noah e.V., Altarastiftung and others. Our fields are subjected to a regular bio-control.

Artistic elements like sculptures should stimulate the senses and inspire to a a deeper understanding of the connection to nature and existence. Regional and international artists create works on topics like "Unity behind diversity", "Awareness and evolution" and "Why responsibility?".

Supporting and advancing a responsible and holistic awareness through nature and experimental pedagogy

Another focus is on building an interesting and holistic education program in the areas of self-sufficient agriculture, seed production, beekeeping, variety preservation and tree school as well as encouraging especially young people to a more sustainable and holistic lifestyle. We are offering pupils and children the opportunity to take part in projects like tree plantings, tasting events, conservation and building of an "insect hotel", and also try to encourage them to deal with topics like "From seed to harvest" and "Why buying regional products?"

Preservation of old and rare cultivated plants

Responsible: Tom Leukefeld, Thomas Penndorf

To ensure a sustainable and stabil preservation of fruit varieties and genes until the next century we graft varieties on
long living, drought resistant and vital seedling underlays.

The necessary works are realised in a tree school that was created just for the preservation of fruit varieties. Through the selective cultivation of suitable seedlings we achieve a higher genetical diversity and plants that are better adapted to the location. In the future the collected genetical resources (so far around 900 varieties) will be used as a basis for further cultivation. The focus of selection and cultivation is on vital and healthy varieties with good  
resistances against pests, diseases and climate extremes like drought to give new impulses for ecological agriculture.

Many old vegetable and crop varieties with varietal identity are grown on our fields and preserved in a seed bank.

Trial operation for natural-holistic agriculture

Responsible: Horst Willi Fricke

Another focus of the work in our community is to create optimal conditions for natural-holistic agriculture. The concept we developed should connect all elements of agriculture and gardening to create a harmonic, sustainable and ecological perspective in agriculture. Our concept consists of two parts: Fruit tree plantation stripes with fields in between. A part of the fruit trees are used as a gene reservoir and for demonstration purposes, another, much larger part is used for commercial production of fruits. The field stripes between the fruit tree stripes serve for experimental and commercial production of vegetables and crops. The fields are divided in smaller plots that are farmed by interested people in the region and members of our community. We are providing the necessary knowledge for interested people, while everyone who works on these field may use a part of the harvest for themselves.

Rare animals and plants can find a habitat even on the areas we use agriculturally. Through suitable measures like the preservation and building of meadows and the planting of trees on the roadsides we contribute to beautifying our homeland and restore the original abundance of variety of our cultivated plants.