The fascinating world of biodiversity under the macro lens

On 2 May 2024, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences opened its doors for an inspiring workshop that immersed participants in the fascinating world of biodiversity. Entitled “Insects – Fascination and Protection”, this workshop, organised in collaboration with the NABU Kreisverband Kleve e.V., offered nature lovers and photography enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the crawling photo models and how to identify them. Because only what is known and understood can be protected effectively .

A paradise for insects

The workshop began with a detailed presentation on biodiversity in the Lower Rhine region. Hermann-Josef Windeln, from the Issum-Geldern branch of the NABU Kreisverband Kleve e.V., provided deep insights into his work. Freshly returned from a site inspection, he reported on his insect mapping on the “military training area” natural heritage site. He emphasised the challenges of identifying insects, especially flies, which is often impossible in the field. The former military training area is also part of NABU’s remit. The 100-hectare area was never used intensively for agriculture, only the pioneers moved soil on the site. For this reason, it provides home and protection for a variety of animals due to the various fallow areas and resulting structures. Hermann-Josef Windeln emphasised the importance of such areas as a refuge for rare and endangered species, such as the white-haired blood bee or the large fox, which was on the 2021 Red List and was considered extinct in the region. Herman-Josef Windeln emphasised that the large fox can now be found again throughout the district of Kleve. He highlighted that expensive, purchased solutions are often not necessary to protect the insects. It is often enough to leave dead vegetation in your own garden, for instance a dead tree – nature will take care of itself.

Journey of discovery in the orchard

With this positive outlook on the inspection and exploration of the former military training area, collected insects preserved in alcohol were distributed. The non-mobile models were the first test for the participants to identify insects. Under the guidance of experts from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and NABU Kreisverband Kleve e.V., participants were given their first insights into insect identification and learnt how to capture them in impressive close-ups. After the supervised test round, all participants were drawn to the neighbouring orchard to test their newly acquired skills on live insects, despite the cloudy weather.

Outlook for the final event on 23 May 2024

Interested individuals still have the opportunity to take part in similar events and explore the fascinating variety of biodiversity in the Lower Rhine region. For further information on follow-up events, please visit our website under Events.