Diverse structures create habitats
Supporting small animals at home
The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is actively committed to increasing biodiversity. The small animal living community on the grounds of the Visitor Centre in Sihlwald is one of these initiatives. Small structures support plants and animals that would otherwise find little habitat. Help us and support native biodiversity in your garden or on your balcony. Even small changes often have a big impact.
Reptiles and other small animals depend on small structures. It is crucial that structures and other habitats are interconnected so that they can be colonised by animals.
A few simple basic rules go a long way
Larger structures are generally better, but even small areas can have a big impact. It is important to give preference to native plants and to adapt structures to the needs of certain species. Factors such as sunlight and soil conditions must also be taken into account. Not every location is ideal. In principle, nature should be left to its own devices. It is particularly important not to use fertilisers and pesticides in order to protect natural diversity.
Pile of branches
©Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich / Abigél Schnellmann
Branch pile
A branch pile is a structure made of branches that can be combined with leaves, stones or sand. Depending on this, different inhabitants move in.
Deadwood in the Sihlwald visitor area.
© Wildnispark Zürich / Abigél Schnellmann
Pile of leafs in autumn
Insect hotel on the grounds of the visitor centre in Sihlwald
©Wildnispark Zürich/Abigél Schnellmann
Nesting aids
Nesting aids can help endangered species such as wild bees, birds and bats, which are particularly affected by dwindling habitats, to raise their young. Nesting aids should be stable and protected from the rain. A roofed house wall is particularly suitable for this.
Raised planting beds
©Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich / Abigél Schnellmann
Raised bed
A raised bed can also be used to create a biodiverse area in small spaces such as on the balcony or patio, or if the available space is sealed.
Reptile castle
©Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich / Abigél Schnellmann
Reptile burrow
A reptile burrow is a composite habitat consisting of piles of stones and branches in a sunny location. It provides hiding places and sunbathing areas for reptiles and amphibians or serves as a place to hibernate.
Carthusian pink
The Carthusian pink is a pioneer plant that grows on ruderal areas.
©Wildnispark Zürich/Abigél Schnellmann
Ruderal area (dry site)
Ruderal areas are habitats with stony or sandy subsoil that have a mosaic of overgrown and open patches of ground. Ruderal areas are often populated by pioneer plants and ground-nesting insects.
Flower meadow on the Sihl
©Wildnispark Zürich/Abigél Schnellmann
Species-rich flower meadow
A species-rich flower meadow consists of many different native grasses, herbs and flowers. The types of meadow differ according to location and intensity of use.
