Project Blog - How the Collaboration Progressed in 2024
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- How did the project perform in 2024
- What we managed to achieve
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Last updated: 20/08/2024
Third year - 2024
January 2024
1/1/2024
Welcome to 2024!
We wish everyone all the best, and of course, our project too, which is entering its third year.
The third year won't be easy, because it's easy to rest on your laurels and we don't really want or can afford to do that.
The scope of activities is growing, but so are the demands and opportunities for strengthening biodiversity in Radlice – together with you!
We're expanding the blog with more editors, so it will be richer and more diverse!
Ondra, Paulina and the team
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Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
10/1/2024
We have a new member in the project team. It's Matouš Marek.
Matouš's domain is primarily botany, which he studied and works in professionally.
Matouš Marek
Mgr. Matouš Marek
In addition to his apprenticeship as a carpenter, in 2023 he graduated in geobotany (plant ecology) from the Faculty of Science at Charles University. He wrote his diploma thesis on the topic of supporting steppe vegetation with grazing. He currently tries to spend as much time as possible in nature, is profiling himself as a field botanist, and is broadening his horizons in the widest possible range of Czech biotopes.
He has a long-standing interest in nature conservation and habitats as a whole. He participates in various management activities, primarily in the Prague and Central Bohemian regions. He enjoys organising events for the public, for example, in a community orchard and its associated dwelling, the “beehive”.
Petra is still in the project, but will only participate as a guest. Her catering is, after all, irreplaceable.
Oh.
12/1/2024
Work continues in the forest steppe. The cut material is being chipped. The centre is now very busy. It will be hard work to clear the areas that have become overgrown with bushes. However, there are patches of vegetation that we are leaving. Similarly, some bushes – comprehensive clearing would lead to erosion and that would be a disservice to the area.
Oh.
Biodiversity Support Project with ČSOB
Photo: O. Hercog (12/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/01/2024)
13/1/2024
Michal and I are walking down the slope. There's still a lot of wood to be pulled down. Jaro's group will arrive soon and we'll get to work.
It's wonderful to see it coming to life and a dream taking shape. It used to be impassable here, and it was an absolute mess – just look at photos from 2023.
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
It is repeatedly confirmed that when we communicate our work and explain what is happening there, the locals support us.
We also write about our activities on Facebook Bumblebees PLUS and on social media, where neighbours from Farkaň and Malvazinky also gather.
Thanks to this, for example, neighbours took some of the wood chips, and I haven't registered any complaints from the surrounding area.
Oh.
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
Meadow steppe cleaning
Photo: O. Hercog (13/01/2024)
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14/01/2024
Michal, Paulína and I are discussing the condition of some trees. One aspect is leaving old wood standing as a home for insects, but we also need to consider the safety of those moving around here.
Michal is an arborist, so we'll get started on this with the bank.
Oh.
Arborist jobs
Photo: O. Hercog (14/01/2024)
Arborist jobs
Photo: O. Hercog (14/01/2024)
16/1/2024
We have weasels on our land and they are gnawing at the fruit trees.
Michal is going into action, to save what he can
Oh.
The long-eared ones are in charge.
Photo: O. Hercog (16/1/2024)
28/1/2024
The changes to the steppe forest are beautifully visible. From the original jungle, areas are emerging where the steppe forest and its associated habitat will return.
There'll be a lot of work involved, but none of us are afraid of that.
Oh.
Radlice steppe forest
Photo: O. Hercog (28/01/2024)
February 2024
11/2/2024
It's cold and wet outside. Nevertheless, it's high time to get sowing seeds on our plot.
The seeds from autumn have taken root and are already germinating; we are now adding more.
V.
Spring resowing 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (11/2/2024)
Spring resowing 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (11/2/2024)
Spring resowing 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (11/2/2024)
18/02/2024
Following the completion of the children's playground, a section of the terrain will need to be reseeded. The soil there is disturbed, so it should be quite quick. We will use some of the Prague mix, which we have specifically for this spot, for this purpose.
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
But spring is already budding on the land. We're waiting to see what emerges from the autumn seeding. And as you can see, we're not waiting alone. 😀
Comfrey is also waking up, as is the wood ant nest we look after there.
Oh.
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
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Winter in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (18/02/2024)
1-2/2024
In the third year of our project, we began full of enthusiasm and optimism. The project has grown to dimensions that we didn't even dream of 2 years ago, at the very start of the project. A great team from the professional conservation group JARO Jaroměř, who travelled to us from Jaroměř near Hradec several times, cleared almost 1.5 hectares of overgrown woodland and woodland steppe of all bushes and scrub. We left some of the cut materials on site to serve as shelter for hedgehogs, snakes, and invertebrates.
We had a really enormous amount of wood, so we brought a large part of it down to Frička. Throughout January and February, the Centres tirelessly chipped and distributed the prepared chips over any available green areas.
The effect of the works exceeded our expectations. The forest steppe finally began to look like a forest steppe – the space is now passable, we got rid of a huge amount of biomass. We only kept trees with good prospects, old apricot trees, or oaks with a rare columnar shape.
P.
2/2024
The preparation of the Prague mixture for our project is here!
We have received an offer from the capital city of Prague to participate in a project aimed at preparing specific mixes of Prague meadow flowers and their subsequent sowing at Prague sites. Our land was selected for this pioneering project, and under the guidance of RNDr. Petr Karlík from the Czech University of Life Sciences, a special meadow flower mix specific to our location was designed. The meadow flowers are grown and the seeds prepared by the social enterprise Envira o.p.s. We are glad that the city and academia have noticed our project and perceive it as positive and beneficial for people and nature.
Vojta and Matouš immediately grabbed their rakes and, during early spring, sowed the steppe and our meadows.
P.
Preparation of the mixture for the project
Photo: P. Jirsová (2/2024)
18/2/2024
Preparation of the alcoves for the season
We met with Paulina and other interested parties from ČSOB regarding the care of bumblebee nests on the bank's premises. We discussed what a proper bumblebee nest looks like, what it must contain, and most importantly, how to prepare it for the next season. There was also a practical demonstration. We lined the inside of the nest with cardboard, installed a „lift“, and added quality filling. Our group also attracted the interest of passing ČSOB employees who wanted to learn more about bumblebees, so our brief meeting turned into a small seminar on bumblebees with our amazing lecturer, Ondřej.
P.
All I can add to that is that we worked together on preparing the ulks. The goal was to enjoy it and experience it.
We've infected more people with a love for Bombus – Bombusophilia. Even those who just walked past us were interested and learned something.
Oh.
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
Joint preparation of the ice rink before the season
Photo: O. Hercog (28/02/2024)
March 2024
6/3/2024
Is it winter or spring?
This year, it's all accelerated again.
Matouš and I are hard at work on the land and the sun and the work are warming us nicely. It’s a joy to see how it's changing for the better here.
V.
Work on the forest steppe March 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (6/3/2024)
Work on the forest steppe March 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (6/3/2024)
Work on the forest steppe March 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (6/3/2024)
Work on the forest steppe March 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (6/3/2024)
11/3/2024
We're sowing the Prague Mixture. It's basically something like Prague Selection, isn't it? 😀
I have two seed mixes. One is sown in selected areas of forest steppe and the other around a children's playground.
Well, let's see how it goes. Matouš will be collecting the data and will surely share the results with us.
What is in the polish stone mixture?
Common Kidneyvetch
Photo: Wiki
Betonica officinalis
Photo: Wiki
Meadowsweet
Photo: Wiki
Field scabious
Photo: Wiki
Transylvanian Melic
Photo: V. Herman
Sainfoin
Photo: Wiki
Proliferous Pink
Photo: J. Cibulka
Woodland Sage (Salvia nemorosa) Caradonna
Photo: Havliš Garden Centre
Meadow sage (Salvia pratensis)
Photo: Wiki
Whorled clary
Photo: Wiki
Salad burnet
Photo: Wiki
Pale yellow scabious
Photo: Wiki
White Mullein
Photo: V. Herman
11/3/2024
Spring will be fast this year. In the garden, violets and snowdrops are already blooming, and the trees are budding. Hopefully, Mrs. Winter won't return and scorch everything, as happened last year.
Oh.
Spring in the garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (3/2024)
Spring in the garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (3/2024)
Spring in the garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (3/2024)
15/3/2024
Time flies like madness. It's the middle of March, so get those Prague Mix seeds into the soil!
We'll leave some for autumn to increase our chances of success. We're working hard with Matouš and looking forward to spring. Matouš will mark the spots for re-sowing – he'll be monitoring what takes hold here.
The soil must first be broken up so that the seeds have a chance. We use HW from Ondřej, which creates our base.
V.
Afforestation of the Radlice steppe-forest with a Prague mix
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/3/2024)
Afforestation of the Radlice steppe-forest with a Prague mix
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/3/2024)
Afforestation of the Radlice steppe-forest with a Prague mix
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/3/2024)
Afforestation of the Radlice steppe-forest with a Prague mix
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/3/2024)
16/3/2024
We all have our little quirks. Ours manifests as checking out „our“ plot of land whenever we can.
We're gradually finding out that we all feel the same way – Paulina, Michal, Vojta, Matous, and Ondra.
But what, it's nice – to look at the fruits of labour.
However, there is still more work to be done – the branches left over from pruning.
Oh.
The Radlice forest-steppe is awakening
Photo: O. Hercog (16/3/2024)
The Radlice forest-steppe is awakening
Photo: O. Hercog (16/3/2024)
21/3/2024
ULet's clean up the Czech Republic
Our steppe woodland has become much more open after our intervention in the winter and unfortunately, heaps of rubbish, which lay hidden in the thickets of bushes, have been revealed. Most of the rubbish belonged to homeless people who occasionally „slept“ there. We decided to do something about it. We announced a volunteer day as part of the "Let's Clean Up the Czech Republic" event. A team of tenacious chaps from ČSOB was found, who worked hard and rid our steppe of huge piles of rubbish, including various mattresses, clothes, etc. The lads certainly weren't afraid of the work, and we even managed to build a new compost bin on the steppe with them.
P.
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Meadow clearing
Photo: V. Koštíř (21 03 2024)
Let's Clean the Czech Republic 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/3/2024)
Let's Clean the Czech Republic 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/3/2024)
3-4/2024
Queen capture March-April
In March and early April, we were catching bumblebee queens. This year, Paulina had two excellent assistants from the staff: Martin and Katka. The first attempt to establish a buff-tailed bumblebee queen was successful on the first try. The red bait hive quickly pleased the queen, we observed orientation flights, and by the very next day, we registered signs of doubt in the hive.
We had more „fun“ placing them in the blue hive. Several attempts to place them ended in failure. We even accidentally tried to put a rather nice bumblebee into the hive on one occasion. When we had lost hope of success, we were delighted to discover that a buff-tailed bumblebee queen had occupied the hive. She had probably returned to the nest from which she emerged last year.
Nature is wonderful
P.
Catching bumblebee queens
Photo: P. Jirsová (14/3/2024)
Catching bumblebee queens
Photo: P. Jirsová (14/3/2024)
Spring in the garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (3/2024)
Spring in the garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (3/2024)
23/3/2024
Ondra met up with Michal. They were planning future events. As you can see, Michal has caught bombusophilia (a love of bumblebees), so he's trying out a starting position.
Oh.
Michal is flying
Photo: O. Hercog (23/3/2024)
24/3/2024
Ondra set off to help clear a meadow near SHQ. Besides the work, we're discussing support for pollinator and butterfly habitats.
A short distance from us is a bank and Prokop Valley, as well as the NHQ garden. All within flying distance, so we are creating another island to help with insect spread.
Oh.
Butterfly support work – ZUČ Source
April 2024
5/4/2024
The lads made another composter from the felled wood. That will come in handy when we start clearing the forest-steppe. There's a lot of moss there, which grew under the bushes.
Oh.
New compost bin for the woodland edge
Photo: V. Koštíř (5/4/2024)
12/4/2023
Today, Pavlina and Ondra met with Mr Petr Hutla, the Chief Executive Officer and board member of ČSOB. Thanks to his support and interest, our project is continuing and developing.
It was a civil meeting and a chat about what the bank has done for its surroundings, what our project plans are, and where we can go together.
Ondra thanked us for our support for the project, and also for Jana Endtová and Paulína Jirsová and Slávek Holík, without whom it would not have been possible.
Oh.
Petr Hutla, Member of the Management Board, ČSOB a.s.
24/4/2024
This evening, Vojta went for a walk in the steppe. It's twilight, but he took a few photos as the buttercups are blooming and the potentillas will soon be in flower.
Oh.
Late afternoon visit to the steppe forest.
Photo: V. Koštíř (24/4/2024)
Late afternoon visit to the steppe forest.
Photo: V. Koštíř (24/4/2024)
Late afternoon visit to the steppe forest.
Photo: V. Koštíř (24/4/2024)
Late afternoon visit to the steppe forest.
Photo: V. Koštíř (24/4/2024)
26/4/2024
We are inspecting the fruit trees, planted in the autumn as part of a volunteer day. Unfortunately, the winter was dry and some of them didn't make it. We will be replacing them.
Oh.
Not all of the new saplings on the plot survived.
Photo: O. Hercog (26/4/2024)
May 2024
10/5/2024
The Bombus Blue group has already undergone training and is now placing bumblebees into the hive on the roof itself.
You'll find out how they're getting on later.
Oh.
Setting up a bumblebee queen
Photo: M. Tesař (10/5/2024)
Bumblebee Blue team in action
Photo: Paulína and Martin (03-05 2024)
Bumblebee Blue team in action
Photo: Paulína and Martin (03-05 2024)
13/5/2024
We're getting ready for a volunteer day. We've met up for it at our favourite woodland edge.
Vojta brought a tray of steppe plant seedlings, we collected water from Ondru and planted them in selected spots, to supplement the re-seeding.
Hopefully the plants will do well there – we'll let you know.
Oh.
Work in the forest steppe
Photo: O. Hercog (13/5/2024)
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15/5/2024
And here's the first count!
Working with CENTRA is already going well. The chaps have understood what we need and have adapted. Thanks to this, we are able to cut back where necessary and, conversely, let flourish what needs to seed.
Thanks to this, our queen's hive sparkles like the sun, and we're buzzing about it – along with the pollinators.
V.
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
May 2024
Photo: V. Koštíř (15 May 2024)
15/5/2024
A walk for herbs
In May, the traditional walk exploring herbs and flora took place in Na Farkáně Park with our excellent guide, Michal. This year, we were delighted by a visit from Mr. Petr Hutla, a member of the ČSOB board for sustainability. He came to greet the participants of the walk and express his support for our project, which he sees as necessary and important for sustainability.
Thank you to Michal for the lovely walk and the interesting stories.
P.
16/5/2024
Volunteer Day – ČSOB Spring 16.5.2024
Finally, our first volunteer day has arrived – Spring 2024. The weather was a bit of a nuisance this year. We had originally planned our volunteer day for the end of April, but a very cold front and unexpected frosts suddenly arrived, so we decided to postpone it.
It paid off: the sun shone brightly throughout the volunteer day and the work went smoothly. The ČSOB team, made up mostly of women, got a lot of necessary work done.
We've set up more composters on the slopes of the forest-steppe and filled them to the brim straight away. We raked up a lot of moss and dry grass to prepare the soil for sowing and give the meadow a chance for natural regeneration.
P.
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: O. Hercog (16 May 2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: O. Hercog (16 May 2024) Ondřej Hercog 16 May 2024 (2)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
Volunteer Day Spring 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/5/2024)
21/5/2024
Ondra was filming a programme about bumblebees today at the Sulická Retirement Home. Although it isn’t directly related to this project, it is about bumblebees, for whom the bank provided a shelter thanks to our project
After all, take a look for yourself and you’ll see in ČT Archive – the programme „From the Capital“
Oh.
Bumblebees at Sulická Care Home
Source: ČT Z metropole
Bumblebees at Sulická Care Home
Source: ČT Z metropole
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25/5/2025
Bumblebees PLUS are at an event organised by the National Agricultural Museum in Prague. This is also an opportunity to promote projects that support biodiversity, as well as this joint project of ours.
Oh.
I'm on a roll 2024
Source: NZN
June 2024
4/6/2024
A charity run in support of biodiversity is being held at the Waltrovka nursery school. Ondra took a range of materials there to support and promote our project as well. Waltrovka is just a short distance away from us, and many parents are familiar with the ČSOB gardens, if only from taking their children for a walk.
Oh.
MŠ Waltrovka – Charity Run for Biodiversity 2024
Photo: O. Hercog (4/6/2024)
6/6/2024
On the plot, in the area where the path to the playground was created, a sea of red poppies has bloomed. It's not our work, but it's a joy to watch the bumblebees and carpenter bees grazing there.
The garden is bursting with colour at the moment; it’s a real feast for the eyes. The area around the bank is very pretty. It’s a wonderful blend of history, modernity and nature.
Oh.
Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Wood bee on poppy
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
A sea of red poppies
Photo: O. Hercog (6 June 2024)
Common viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) – The Bank's Garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) – Bank of the Czech Savings Bank Garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Poppy – Garden of the Bank in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) – The Bank’s Garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
The bank's garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) – Bank Garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Coronilla varia – Bank Garden in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Tuberous vetch (Lathyrus tuberosus)
Photo: O. Hercog (23/6/2024)
Radlice Bank Garden
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
6/6/2024
It's already ripening on the land Greater yellow rattle from the autumn second sowing. This year it's earlier than last year, so we have to gather the seeds in time to have seed for next year. Ondra has already started gathering. He's a risk manager, after all, and so he thinks ahead.
😀
Oh.
Cockscomb (Rhinanthus alectorolophus) On the plot in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
Cockscomb (Rhinanthus alectorolophus) On the plot in Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
12/6/2024
Butterfly walk
In June, it was time for another walk. This time, Vojta took us to see butterflies. Earlier that morning, we prayed that there would be anything flying at all (it was overcast and raining). But then the weather cleared up and we were able to enjoy a walk in the sunshine in meadows full of butterflies. For example, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers particularly liked our meadows. It was a very beautiful sight – blooming meadows and a large number of butterflies – something we had been taking care of all these previous years.
We walked around the land and discussed further how participants can support biodiversity in their own gardens, urban plots, or even on balconies. Then we continued to the forest-steppe area, where Vojta managed to catch an adult stag beetle. Towards the end of the walk, RNDr. Karlík joined us, adding some more interesting information to Vojta's account. He also came to assess the condition of our forest-steppe and was pleasantly surprised that the saplings we obtained from the city and planted there had taken root.
P.
Butterfly walk
Photo: V. Koštíř (12 June 2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: V. Koštíř (12 June 2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: V. Koštíř (12 June 2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: V. Koštíř (12 June 2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: P. Jirsová (12/06/2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: P. Jirsová (12/06/2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: P. Jirsová (12/06/2024)
Butterfly walk
Photo: P. Jirsová (12/06/2024)
14/6/2024
The forest steppe is turning green. Some trees and shrubs are responding to pruning with shoots. As soon as the time is right, we will get on with further clearing.
Good that the lads have set up another compost bin on the edge of the woods. It's close by and, what's more, on a sunny slope. It should be good for insects and hopefully lizards, slow worms, and snakes too.
Oh.
Radlice steppe forest
Photo: O. Hercog (14/6/2024)
Radlice steppe forest
Photo: O. Hercog (14/6/2024)
15/6/2024
Ondra went to check the hives on the roof of the bank. The bumblebees are doing well; no intervention was needed. Both the ground nest and the rock nest are fine.
There was also time to see where the bumblebees feed. They don’t even need to take the lift down to the garden. They just forage on the roof on the fifth floor.
The photos were taken in the dark, but I hope I'll be forgiven – hive inspections are done in the evening, after all 🙂
Oh.
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
Bumblebees on the roof of the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (16 June 2024)
16/6/2024
Volunteer Day – Give and Gain
Encouraged by the success of our spring volunteer day, we decided to take things a step further and join the nationwide Give & Gain Day 2024 initiative. The national corporate volunteering day, Give & Gain Day, took place for the fourteenth time this year. It is one of the most significant events in the field of corporate social responsibility, enabling responsible companies and their volunteers across the country to get significantly involved in supporting and helping charitable organisations and local communities in a single day.
Fifteen people from various companies signed up for our volunteer day. These included: Bonett Group a.s., COMMERZBANK Aktiengesellschaft, Prague branch, ING Bank N.V., Pluxee Česká republika a.s., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., and Pure Storage Czech Republic s.r.o.
Our main idea was to introduce other companies to our project and thus spread awareness of what a real and meaningful biodiversity support project should look like. More and more companies are addressing sustainability and biodiversity support within their organisations, and we would wish for their projects to be well-thought-out and have a positive impact on nature.
Our volunteers helped us collect sorrel seeds, and we also built another compost bin and did some more raking… We’ve been raking non-stop this year, but it’s worth it – we’re already looking forward to seeing the results next year.
P.
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
Give and Gain 2024 Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (16/6/2024)
22/6/2024
Even a cemetery can be a lively place. We met up at Farkán Park with some lads who are working on developing green spaces within Prague’s cemeteries, and it was a very inspiring experience for both of us. Just like our park, a cemetery can be an oasis of nature within an urban setting. The photo was taken at Ďáblice Cemetery and shows its flower-filled scattering meadows.
Sir.
A blooming meadow in the cemetery in Dabice
Photo: M. Plundra (20/06/2024)
26/6/2024
Goosefoot seeds – we’re already collecting, drying and preparing them for the autumn. They must be in the ground before the frosts arrive, otherwise they won’t germinate in the spring.
Oh.
Rattle (Rhinanthus alectorolophus) – Seeds
Photo: O. Hercog (23 June 2024)
Crested Lushinev (Rhihantus alectorolophus) – Seeds
Photo: O. Hercog (23 June 2024)
26/6/2024
Our garden will be featured on TV in the programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We’ve Forgotten“!
An episode about plants for bumblebees and how we can help them was filmed there. Most of it will probably be from Jakub Černý's garden in Mukařov.
It was a very pleasant chat with Petr Pěknic, and it was also a chance to see how a professional team works.
We had a great time filming it, so hopefully that will show in the final result. The programme will also feature some drone footage, so we’re really looking forward to it!
As always, getting the cameraman into the car was a bit of a struggle. It was the same old story – we film until there’s no more space on the memory card or the battery runs out. But it was certainly flying around the bends nicely.
Oh.
The garden will feature in the Czech Television programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We Have Forgotten“
Photo: O. Hercog (26 June 2024)
The garden will feature in the Czech Television programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We Have Forgotten“
Photo: O. Hercog (26 June 2024)
The garden will feature in the Czech Television programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We Have Forgotten“
Photo: O. Hercog (26 June 2024)
The garden will feature in the Czech Television programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We Have Forgotten“
Photo: O. Hercog (26 June 2024)
July 2024
11/7/2024
Volunteering Day with Raiffeisen Bank on 11 July 2024
In July, another small group of enthusiastic volunteers was found, this time from Raiffeisen Bank. The forest-steppe, which we so carefully cleaned, is gradually „overgrowing“ with sprouts during the summer, so it was necessary to get rid of the sprouts and paint the stumps with herbicide so they wouldn't grow back. Yes, we don't like chemicals, but in this case, we couldn't manage without them. Šimon from Jaro JAROMĚŘ also came and helped us with this, instructing us on how to proceed.
Girls, our 100% team of female volunteers worked really hard and deserve a huge round of applause, especially as it was absolutely sweltering that day. As a reward, we all went to have a look at the bank’s green roof and check on the bumblebee hives.
P.
Raiffeisen Volunteer Day 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (11/7/2024)
Raiffeisen Volunteer Day 2024
Photo: P. Jirsová (11/7/2024)
11/7/2024
Matouš is working on the property monitoring the flora.
If you find markings like these, please leave them where they are,
Oh,
Marking of grassed areas
Photo: M. Marek (11/7/2024)
18/7/2024
Summer is in full swing. Many flowers are no longer channelling energy from the sun into growth but into the next generation. They are forming fruits and seeds. Those we want, therefore, need to be nurtured, and those we don't, need to be mown down.
The centres and their scrub-clearers are finally making progress. The woody plants are also starting to store energy in their roots. If we want to eliminate them completely, now is the time to give them a little herbicide to make them die off and not tend to sprout again. The steppe herbaceous communities will then get space, and the bank slope that we started clearing in the winter will be a bit more diverse again.
Sir.
Work on ČSOB land
Photo: M. Plundra (18/07/2024)
Work on ČSOB land
Photo: M. Plundra (18/07/2024)
22/7/2024
Ondra checks the hives on the roof in the evening. The bumblebees are doing well there, after all, they are well looked after and the Blue Bombus team takes good care of them. The bumblebees were fed and given a goodnight kiss.
Night visits to the bank are always an experience. The bank, otherwise full of hustle and bustle, is silent. But up on the roof, it's alive. It's hard to believe you're not somewhere in a garden, but on the roof of a bank building.
Sugar is a source of energy for bumblebees. Without it, they cannot fly to collect pollen, which they need as a source of protein for their young.
Oh.
Roof inspection and gutters at the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (22/7/2024)
Roof inspection and gutters at the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (22/7/2024)
Roof inspection and gutters at the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (22/7/2024)
Roof inspection and gutters at the bank
Photo: O. Hercog (22/7/2024)
25/7/2024
Next to the SHQ is a site managed by „butterfly enthusiasts“, which we wrote about on Facebook, for example, here: https://www.facebook.com/
Here, the Provence chalk-blue (Polyommatus thersites) and also the relatively rare large copper (Lycaena dispar) are found. This large copper cannot be seen even in the protected Prokop Valley.
Together with ZÚČ, we will prepare a mowing plan around the SHQ so that this space can also become their home.
We're already discussing it with Paulina, and next year we could launch it together with the butterfly breeders.
Oh.
Large Copper
Photo: M. Palička
Provence Short-tailed Blue
Photo: Z. Cebeci
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26/7/2024
Ondra is heading to the plot to collect plant seeds before the cut. There is a lot of delphinium there, which is gradually going to seed and from which we want to make another mother plant – a bed for propagation.
In some places there is a lot of poppy. We didn't bring it there, but we will use it in a similar way.
Oh.
Poppy by the side of the path to the plot
Photo: O. Hercog (26/7/2024)
Poppy by the side of the path to the plot
Photo: O. Hercog (26/7/2024)
Delphinium seeds
Photo: O. Hercog (26/7/2024)
Delphinium seeds
Photo: O. Hercog (26/7/2024)
27/7/2024
Another part of the mowing is taking place on the plot today. Vojta is managing the event and CENTRA is carrying it out again.
This year, cooperation with CENTRA is going well. It is confirmed that if someone is dedicated to supervision, then the gardening work progresses well and everything is as it should be.
We are letting the delphiniums ripen, and also the cornflowers, which are still flowering. Likewise with the corn cockle – that still has time too.
Oh.
Delphinium
Photo: O. Hercog (06/06/2024)
30/7/2024
CENTRA has cleared vegetation in areas we don't manage. Where a path was created last year to the children's playground, it's bare and dry, which some people at the bank don't like.
Poppies were growing there, where Ondra collected some seeds, and after mowing it's like a desert there.
We understand, so we'll try to agree on what to do about it. Work will still be done there (the bridge to the playground), so it's a question of how much to invest in it. Then it certainly makes sense to reseed those areas with something that grows there and creates a green space.
Oh.
30/7/2024
ČM+ published a post on their FB that seemingly has nothing to do with this project, aboutbut it's true!
In Radlice, we are making good progress together relatively smoothly, and it's visible on the site.
A little further away is Waltrovka, which is managed by MČP5. Although the same company is carrying out the area's maintenance, agreements are being reached with great difficulty. However, it is now succeeding and brighter times are on the horizon.
It beautifully illustrates that when people meet who have the interest and desire to do something good, they always succeed,
Our joint project with the bank is therefore not only a benchmark project for biodiversity, but also for cooperation, willingness, and the ability to reach an agreement.
Thank you!
Contribution to ČM+ : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fT5yo61iCa35mCm3/
Response from the Prague City Hall: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eKNm16uBUG67gqXQ/
Oh.
August 2024
6/8/2024
Vojta was invited by Czech Radio. Among other things, he is tasked with talking about this project there.
We're really looking forward to it on the airwaves of ČR2 – the programme „Káva o čtvrté“.“
Updating:
Vojta spoke very highly of our project too – thanks 🙂
You can find the programme in the audio archive here: https://www.mujrozhlas.cz/kava-o-ctvrte/vase-kazdodenni-inspirace-mestska-zelen
Oh.
Vojta and Patricia Strouhal meeting for coffee at four
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20/8/2024
Vojta helped MČP5 and CENTRA with the mowing at Waltrovka today.
The aim is to implement the same grass management there as we have successfully applied at the CSOB garden.
Oh.
5/10/2024
Our project team is growing by one new member. Vojta and Katka have had Maruška – huge congratulations and we wish the family lots of health, joy, and happiness!
6/10/2024
Today, ČT1 is broadcasting the programme „What our grandmothers knew and what we have forgotten“ in which you will also see the garden that our project with the bank is taking care of.
If you missed the show, you can find it on CT Archive.
The garden will feature in the Czech Television programme „What Our Grandmothers Knew and What We Have Forgotten“
Photo: O. Hercog (26 June 2024)
11/10/2024
Vojta and Matouš are heading out to the steppe forest. They will be re-sowing the second part of the Prague mixture. The first part has largely taken root, and this re-sowing will fill in the spots where the spring sowing failed.
12/10/2024
Centra goes out to mow designated grass areas.
17/10/2024
Volunteer Day Autumn 2024 is here!
In the morning, we meet as usual by the summer oak, which is our standard meeting point. Ondra is the first to arrive, and the others turn up gradually. The traffic on Radlická is a real hell on earth at the moment.
It's nicely clear, but autumn is already making itself known, so it's nicely fresh in the mornings.
Unfortunately, Paulína won't be here this year. The viruses are doing their rounds, so we've wisely left her at home in the warmth. Péťa is outside the Czech Republic, so we're without the girls, their smiles and the catering. Unfortunately, the spring frosts have deprived us of our apple harvest, meaning our traditional cider-making will be impossible.
The team is gradually coming together and we're fine-tuning the division of labour.
Ondra is heading to the chapel. This year, besides talking about the project, he also has the task of replacing Paulína during the occupational safety training. He was intrigued by the part that participants have to undergo a medical examination, so he took an active role in it (the training). 17 people confirmed their attendance and in the end, 20 turned up – brilliant!
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
After the necessary administration and introduction, we get down to business; there's no time for idleness. Michal, Vojta, and Matouš will present their plans, and the event participants will join them.
Michal is taking charge of planting new saplings, dealing with Japanese knotweed, pruning, and cleaning birdhouses.
This year he obtained some excellent pieces, mostly old and interesting varieties:
A pair of volunteers is going through 30+ bird boxes on the plot and cleaning them out. It's a lot of work, but very useful. In a number of the boxes, they find remnants of bumblebee nests, infested parasitic moth. Ondra then shows everyone the spun cocoons and explains how such a parasite lives in a bumblebee's nest.
We're also getting into liquidation Knotweed. It appeared in two places on the land, so we are dealing with this invasive plant.
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
Matouš chose a team of „chamois“ and together they set off for the forest-steppe. There is still a lot of material here that needs to be cleared and new shoots need to be dealt with.
The run up the hill took it out of everyone, so no one was cold.
Matouš is a botanist, so on site he pointed out where and how the Prague mix from this spring had been sown, and where the lads had recently re-sown other areas.
Ondra helped with collecting rubbish and unfortunately also various ampoules. However, there is much less mess like that now, thanks to the pruning and clearing of the whole area.
Matouš also explained why there are markers on the steppe and how he uses them for botanical surveys.
The party also got involved in clearing away the suckers, which is endless work – goats would be of great help here, as they would deal with the suckers.
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
Vojta's domain is grass management. His team therefore got down to cutting and raking selected areas, which they then jointly reseeded.
will also appear on the land Yellow rattle, together with Large yellow rattle will help to suppress lush grass. This will create space for other plants. We've managed to propagate barrenwort, so we're returning seeds from our mother plant to the plot. Hopefully, it will be successful with greater barrenwort as well.
Yellow Rattle
Photo: Wiki
Yellow rattle
Photo Wiki
Vojta wrestled with the soil-breaking machine, but what the machine lacked, the diligent hands of others provided. Then we got down to sowing. As you can see, Vojta and his actions around the machine resuscitation were the centre of attention 😀
There was also time to illuminate the lower part of the garden, where we want to open a path for the sun so that something can bloom on the ground instead of impenetrable bushes. We also prepared another bug hotel, i.e. stacked old wood, where beetle larvae will thrive. The stag beetle we found, which fascinated everyone and which Vojta told stories about, also served as good motivation for this. We want to put the wood in the sun because only then will it be interesting for future generations of insects.
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
Our mascot Miki also arrived in the afternoon, whose absence we can no longer imagine at our events. He helped mums with work, explored nature and was everyone's companion.
But we were all a team. We got a lot of work done, learned a bit about ourselves, about our shared project, and about how to help nature.
Everyone was asking when the next event would be and how they could get involved, what they could do. Ondra said goodbye to everyone who was already rushing home on behalf of the team. A few people stayed behind, and it turned into another nice afternoon chat.
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
ČSOB Volunteer Day – Autumn – Prague Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (17/10/2024)
We went home pleasantly tired but satisfied and with a good feeling that it had succeeded again.
It wasn't just about the work that was done. It was also an interesting meeting, making friends, and an opportunity for people to learn a lot about our project and how to help nature during their work.
This year's volunteer day in Prague's Radlice was exactly like that. A lot of work was done, we met a lot of nice people who were genuinely interested and asked questions.
We're still full of impressions and positive energy – thank you to everyone who participated in any way, and of course, to Paulína and Jana, without whom our project would not exist.
🙏😍
The Volunteer Day Autumn 2024 is behind us, but we are already looking forward to Spring and more joint work for a good cause!
Thank you, everyone!
Oh.