Audi Environmental Foundation supports the Preservation of Orchard Meadows in Neckarsulm

In the project "Preserving and Shaping Orchard Meadows Together", the Heidelberg University of Education, the city of Neckarsulm and Audi trainees are working together to preserve the biodiversity of the region. Thanks to the installation of an information board, cyclists and walkers now learn more about the importance of orchards as a hotspot of biodiversity.

08/19/2025 – Reading Time: 6 min

In sunny weather, a man flies a drone over a green meadow with fruit trees and a construction crane in the background.

At the official project launch in the summer of 2024, Mayor Steffen Hertwig and Audi Plant Manager Fred Schulze emphasized the importance of the orchard meadows for the region and highlighted the commitment of all partners. Using innovative technologies such as drones and satellite data, scientists from the university analyze the condition and vitality of the fruit trees to detect potential diseases early.

Following initial drone flights in the summer, the image data was processed using the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) method. This resulted in precise, rectified map images (orthomosaics), digital terrain models, and vegetation indices. Additionally, the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) module in the drone allows for centimeter-accurate recording of the trees' locations. By linking this data with on-ground tree assessments, each tree receives its own identification number. This enables precise condition assessments, monitoring, and maintenance based on individual tree recognition.

Audi apprentices in Neckarsulm actively support the project, learning to use modern methods for monitoring and caring for the orchard trees. This hands-on experience raises their awareness of the importance of protecting valuable cultural landscapes and inspires them to embrace sustainability beyond their training.

A group of cheerful people with apples in their hands stand and squat under trees on a green meadow for a photo together.

In February 2025, a group of apprentices practiced tree pruning during a project day. Thanks to expert instruction on the use of pruning tools and the correct cutting positions by Günter Glaser, Deputy Head of the Municipal Depot, they were well-prepared to test their new skills in the field – successfully, as seen in the photos! Fred Schulze, plant manager in Neckarsulm, and his plant management team also took part in a tree pruning course. Both groups gained fascinating insights into the ecological significance of orchard meadows, as well as the planting, pruning, and care of trees to maintain their health. The goal of tree pruning is to shape an optimal tree crown and ensure early, consistent fruitfulness.

Group photo in front of information boards on geomonitoring and orchard meadows, taken in a rural setting.

In July 2025, the project partners met to unveil an information board on the orchard. Thanks to the newly installed board, cyclists and pedestrians learn interesting details about the important cultural heritage of the orchard. The board invites them to engage themselves. The Audi trainees used the meeting for another project day. With expert guidance, they trained how to carry out drone flights for data collection and how to map the trees using a mobile phone app to record the health of the trees. Professor Alexander Siegmund from PH Heidelberg informed about meadow orchards as a hotspot of biodiversity. The aim of involving trainees in the orchard project is to get the young people excited about nature conservation and to train them in modern geo-technologies. With their work, they make an important contribution to the preservation of this unique cultural landscape.

These orchards are a defining landscape component in Baden-Württemberg, which is why they were awarded the title of "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by the UNESCO Commission in 2021. They not only provide tasty, regional fruit, but also serve as an important habitat for numerous animals and plants. Birds, bats, hedgehogs, insects and spiders find a home here and contribute to ecological diversity.

A group of 20 people stand in an orchard next to an information board and look at the camera together.

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