Climate adaptation in historic parks – lecture by Jens Spanjer at Villa Hügel

Climate change poses major challenges for historic parks. During a lecture at Villa Hügel, Jens Spanjer, Director of the Schloss Dyck Foundation and Chairman of the Association of Palaces and Gardens in Germany, presented strategies for sustainable adaptation to changing climatic conditions.

The park of Villa Hügel and that of Schloss Dyck are important cultural landscapes with similar challenges. A central aspect of the lecture was the presentation of tried and tested measures for the conservation and ecological development of such sites, based on the park at Schloss Dyck. Various climate adaptation measures have already been implemented in the park of the listed moated castle:

• Preservation and diversification of the tree population: Around 400 old trees have been lost since 2018 and 30 to 40 per cent of the remaining stock is damaged. Through targeted maintenance, the use of mycorrhizal fungi and the planting of climate-resistant species, the diversity of trees and shrubs has increased from 150 to around 450 species
• Promoting biodiversity: Leaving deadwood and creating wildflower meadows creates valuable habitats for various animal species..
• Sustainable energy supply: From 2026, a heating system using Chinese reeds from the castle’s own cultivation field will support the operation of the castle in a climate-neutral way.

The presentation impressively demonstrated that historic parks can be designed for the future using innovative concepts. Sharing experiences and developing long-term strategies are essential in order to preserve these unique cultural landscapes.