Pollard willows (salix alba / - fragilis)
were planted in the past because of their rapid growth and high sprouting capacity and
used, for example, as wickerwork (for example in slope protection), tool handles, stable bedding, fuel,
posts. Their wood contains salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin).
More important today is their ecological importance: Regular pruning (*topping") every 3-5 years
prevents the soft wood from breaking apart. The characteristic "topping tree"
is created. Water, fungal pathogens and bacteria penetrate the cut surfaces, break down the wood quickly
and wood mulch forms, and hollow spaces rot. This creates ideal habitats, food and shelter for
cave and semi-cave nesters and inhabitants (e.g. little owls, flycatchers, tits,
treecreepers, bats, martens, dormice...),
- insect species (e.g. sawflies or moths, hornets, willow borers,
poplar, musk or weaver beetles, mourning cloak, willow moth...),
- plants (e.g. blackberries and currants, rowan, elder,
hazelnut, buckthorn, nettle...)
- mushrooms (e.g. polypore mushrooms...)
The NABU..Rodebach-/Saeffelbach-/Kitschbachtal®
maintains over 800 pollard willows with the support of the special purpose association
of the "Selfkant" region.

Translated by Google •

Bumble-Bee

July 29, 2024

Unfortunately, classic pollard willows are becoming increasingly rare, as their care requires a lot of work and now often depends on volunteers.

Translated by Google •

wolfben

December 30, 2024

raw material for basket making

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 9 November

13°C

5°C

100 %

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Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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Location: Gangelt, Heinsberg, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Pollard Willows at Rodebach-Saeffelbach-Kitschbachtal

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