The new “nesting trail” in Mombach was unveiled on May 8 by Janina Steinkrüger, Head of the Environmental Department. Along Käthchen-Frödert-Weg and beyond Obere Kreuzstraße toward Mainzer Sand, visitors can discover 17 housing and nesting aids for native bird species, bats, and dormice. The illustrations on the signs along the path show which species typically inhabit the nesting aids. By scanning the accompanying QR code, interested visitors can learn interesting facts about the animals on the city’s website.

The project was initiated by a general request from the Mombach Local Council, which suggested an ecological enhancement of the green corridor.

Various nesting aids have been installed along the nesting trail, which can be inhabited and used by species ranging from the black redstart, the greater mouse-eared bat, dormice (e.g., garden dormice), to the little owl. Depending on the species, the specific needs are reflected in the design of the individual nesting aids. The surroundings vary and take into account the species-specific habitats of the individual species, ranging from wooded areas and open parks to open landscapes with scattered trees on the adjacent Mainz sand.

Janina Steinkrüger, Head of the Environmental Department: “Nesting aids play an important role today because our environment has changed significantly and natural tree cavities are hardly available anymore in their breeding areas. As a result, many animals face challenges, suffering from a lack of shelter and breeding sites. Habitats are being lost at an ever-increasing rate due to dense development, building renovations, and intensive agriculture and forestry. Extreme weather events, which are occurring more frequently due to climate change, also reduce breeding success. We can all help counteract the increasing loss of species by building nesting aids.”

As part of Biodiversity Week, a guided tour along the nesting trail will take place on May 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. You are cordially invited to participate; registration is available via email at artenvielfalt-mainzposteode.

The goal of the project is to combine species conservation with environmental education and to raise public awareness of the challenges facing—as well as the diversity of—local wildlife.

The nesting trail was launched in cooperation between Lernen Fördern TG Rheinland-Pfalz gGmbH and the Parks and Environment Department of the state capital Mainz.