Project Blog - How the collaboration went in 2023
What you will learn here
- How did the project fare in 2023
- What we managed to achieve
- What's new
- What are we planning
Date of last update: 09/01/2023
Second year – 2023
4/1/2023
The year has barely begun and our hands are already itching. In the second week of January, let's start pruning the trees and tidying up the garden. The trees are dormant, the snow has long since melted, so let's get to it.
The bank is planning employee engagement, but we thought it would be a good idea to also involve skilled people from Farkáň and Waltrovka. After all, the apple pressing last autumn was popular, so let's go for it!
Ondra teamed up with Martina, Alice, and Tereza. We immediately came up with the idea of inviting The Farkáň Association And Waltrovka will certainly not be outdone.
As always, one word led to another and the invitation is flying out into the world.
Bumblebees PLUS – Tree pruning services for gardens
8/1/2023
8/1/2023
Instead of lunch, we're preparing supplies and heading to the meeting point. We're incredibly curious to see how many people will actually turn up. We estimate 10.
Soon we're meeting and there are many more of us – brave ones. Who in their right mind would go out to work in the cold instead of having a Sunday lunch???
Ondra will briefly introduce the project, Michal with Vojta, and our plans for today.
Our priority is to prune the fruit trees and clear the branches. The wood chips from them will form the base of the compost and the planned beetle habitat.
We will dig under the trees and plant dead-nettles and ferns in the tidied-up spots.
We also handed out bin bags so that nothing would be left behind and to pick up the mess people leave here – glass, plastic and the remains of fireworks – sigh.
But we will be re-sowing some places with seeds and so on.
Michal and Vojta divided the groups and provided a basic guide to pruning fruit trees, and everyone got to work.
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Vojta and Michal commented on this photo of theirs with the words of a classic: „VThey don't get their hands on a branch, but they are experts par excellence.„.
But judge for yourselves how much we have all managed to achieve together – BRILLIANT!
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
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We have also improved the networking of the forest ant habitat where they live. Thanks to this, they won't be threatened by work or curious dogs. We also used the „free space“ by the path for promotion. Will there be an alternative to „The Gardeners of Kersko“ next time?
Garden tree pruning
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
Tree trimming in gardens
Photo: O. Hercog (08/01/2023)
We worked for several hours, there was no time for a break. We were finishing the supplies of sweets and washing them down with mulled wine – whatever anyone had brought.
No one needed to be pushed; everyone worked hard. Although we hadn't met most of the newcomers before, a great team was formed. Together with Vojta and Michal, we answered a number of questions about the project, nature conservation, etc.
Who actually arrived?
The neighbours from Farkaňa arrived, but also from Malvazinky and Waltrovka. New friends from Ukraine also came and did a lot of work. There was also talk about their country, and it didn't matter at all that we spoke different languages.
A number of people walked around us and it was clear they would have liked to get involved. At least they asked what was happening and what we were tinkering with there. Most of them thanked us. They praised the changes that are already visible on the plot, as well as the pile of branches from the removed old grass and leaves.
If you didn't happen to find yourself in the photos, take a look SEM.If you wish to share your experiences with new friends, please send your photos and reactions to info@cmelaciplus.cz.
Friends, we must thank everyone. Although the event was called on short notice, many of you came and together you did a tremendous amount of work – THANK YOU!!!
As we said at the end, we will repeat the event and support it with a neighbourhood party, sausage roasting, apple pressing and a number of other ideas we are preparing for you.
If you enjoyed the event and what we're doing, please share your impressions with others and invite them!
10-12/1/2023
The „fruit tree pruning“ event continues. Please keep your fingers crossed for good weather and attendance!
If you wish, join in and make new friends among CSOB employees.
… we are preparing a report
11/1/2023
However, the entire event, as well as the lecture, enjoyed a large turnout.
More than 25 ČSOB employees, nature lovers and gardeners, attended. Michal presented the basic rules for caring for fruit trees to those gathered, and then it was time for a practical demonstration of fruit tree pruning.
Michal tried to answer all the questions that arose from the participants (and there were quite a few). Despite the unpleasant winter weather and the need to return to work, the lecture went on for over two hours.
The lecture was very well received by everyone, it was very interesting, informative and practical. We wish everyone a successful gardening season and a good harvest of fruit, which we hope will appear thanks to the pruning.
Paulina
Fruit tree pruning short course
Photo: P. Jirsová (11/01/2023)
Fruit tree pruning short course
Photo: P. Jirsová (11/01/2023)
Fruit tree pruning short course
Photo: P. Jirsová (11/01/2023)
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11/1/2023
Do you know what is in this picture?
Yes, it isstag beetle (Lucanus cervus)Michal found it today in the gardens of Staré Radlice while he was working on pruning trees with others.
This is quite a significant find and also proof that an old garden, where an old tree, stump, or fallen log is left to stand, can be home to interesting insects.
One of them is a beautiful beetle – the best-known representative of the stag beetle family and also the largest beetle in Europe. In the Czech Republic, it was widespread in deciduous forests throughout the territory, but today its occurrence is localised to several areas. It is most commonly found in South Moravia. With the removal of old trees and stumps, the natural habitat and food source of this beetle is also disappearing. Consequently, the population of the stag beetle, as well as other beetle species living in the same environment, is declining, and the stag beetle is thus making its way onto the global list of endangered species.
Readers of Ferda Mravenec will certainly know him, but why did we find him precisely here? Wood ants are on the property and we protect them, so it's only natural that the Stag Beetle, the ladybird Blondie, and others must be there too.
The common dormouse lives in hollows of old trees and dead stumps in forests and groves. It appears in the vicinity of Radlice, where there are green spaces and old trees. You can read more about it HERE
Old rotting wood in the garden is a real treasure and a source of life. There's no point in tidying it up, perhaps not until it completely decomposes. But even then, it forms the basis for various other types and forms of life – try it and see for yourself! You can learn more about it on this page. https://lesodiverzita.cz/
We are very pleased that Prague is green in some of its parts, and hopefully it will remain so if we all work together to achieve it. The same can apply to other cities, perhaps even yours.
Part of our project also involves reducing our carbon footprint. Therefore, we compost the mown grass, raked leaves, and small branches, leaving them on-site in composters made from local wood. Thicker branches are chipped, and this material also remains on the land as the base for a log pile habitat.
The trunks and strong branches will either be used for small on-site constructions, or left lying down or standing. They will be a home for beetles, a shelter for birds, and perhaps a place for the beautiful woodpeckers that are also found here.
Larva of the greater stag beetle – (Lucanus cervus}
Photo: Michal Plundra (11/1/2023)
Stag beetle
Photo: Wiki
Stag beetle
Photo: Wiki
Roháč and Ant Ferdie
Source: Internet
15/1/2023
Work was done on the site again today, and dedicated helpers also came again today.
Vojta continued with the pruning of the fruit trees, and his Ukrainian friends Olena and her family helped clear away the cut branches.
Although it wasn't our original plan, the project is already international. Not only Olena, but a number of others from the Farkáň and Waltrovka areas have joined in selflessly and are helping. They feel that our citizens are supporting them and are trying to reciprocate without seeking reward – thank you!
This year's fruit tree pruning is complete. We still want to get on with raking up the remaining grass and also pruning some bushes. If you're keen, follow our Facebook and website and get involved.
Tree pruning in the gardens of old Radlice
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/01/2023)
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Tree pruning in the gardens of old Radlice
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/01/2023)
Tree pruning in the gardens of old Radlice
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/01/2023)
Tree pruning in the gardens of old Radlice
Photo: V. Koštíř (15/01/2023)
12/2/2023
Spring is already upon us. In spring, snowdrops bloom and seeds from the autumn sowing sprout.
The new year is already announcing itself
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/20232)
The new year is already announcing itself
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/20232)
1/2/2023
We are still planning for 2023. If things go well, sheep will appear on the land. We'll turn them into lawnmowers, and it will also be interesting for children and parents. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
12/2/2023
We have begun the pruning of a landscape feature – a forest-steppe on CSOB's land. This is a significant landscape feature that has unfortunately become overgrown and must regain its importance.
As part of a regeneration project, the bank has applied for a permit, and a gardening company under our supervision has begun clearing the woodland. We will not be felling trees, but we intend to thin them out, create clearings, and reintroduce the original habitat in those areas.
As planned, we process the excavated material into wood chips or use it on-site for building play or relaxation features. We use a lot of material for our bug hotels and for other necessary composters.
Here's a short photo report.
This used to be a forest-steppe, and part of it will return to being so. You know that there were large apricot orchards here and places where citizens used to sunbathe? Well… and certainly not just to sunbathe 😀
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (02/12/2023)
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
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The bottom edge of the forest is already clearing.
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
We are trying to communicate the activities on the site so that the public can find out what is happening here. As you can see for yourselves, the citizens are interested, and that is a very good thing.
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
We are documenting the locations that will soon be replaced by a lightwood forest and grassland.
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
Material from fruit tree pruning is chipped. The chips are used for beetle mounds, but also for some side paths.
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
Woodland steppe thinning
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
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22/2/2023
Did you know there's an old well hidden on the slope? The Farkáň association has come up with the idea that we'll try to restore it together. Paulína agrees, so we'll soon be off on another good adventure.
We're not expecting water to gush here. But even if it just drips, it will liven up the whole area and provide a drinking place for birds and insects. We'll try to involve other citizens too, so keep your fingers crossed for us.
A well in the garden
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
A well in the garden
Photo: O. Hercog (12/2/2023)
23/2/2023
The first seminar of the year took place at the bank today. This will be one of several events we are planning for this year for employees, as well as for local residents.
It was nice to meet people who are interested in nature and bumblebees. We want to create a banking team that will look after the bumblebees on the roof, and we will give them support for this.
If you want to look at part of the slides, you can find them HERE
Beekeeper at ČSOB
Photo: O. Hercog (23/2/2023)
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23/2/2023
Seeds sown on the plot last autumn are already sprouting. We are preparing for more sowing. This will take place on the 3rd of March in the morning - Will you join us?
Can you log in to our Facebook? Bumblebees PLUS, or write to us at info@cmelaciplus.cz
3/3/2023
Work on clearing the woodland steppe is continuing. It's the area between the bank building (NHQ) and the construction on the hill.
In the picture, you can see the state from about 10 years ago. Since then, the steppe has been disappearing and becoming overgrown with pioneer trees.
Together with the bank and with the consent of the Municipal Authority HPMP, we have embarked on the gradual restoration of this interesting space.
It's going to be a job for several years. It also requires proper muscles and hiking boots, the slope is really steep.
Forest-steppe Radlice – VKP – Map of partial areas
Photo: Prague City Hall
Once, there was an apricot orchard in this place. Now, there are still a few trees that have survived, and we want to leave them there out of respect – to preserve the genius loci of this place.
Radlice Steppe-Forest Tour – The Old Apricot Tree
Photo: O. Hercog (03/03/2023)
Here are a few photos from Friday's tour.
Michal and his colleagues at the CENTRE are doing a great job. We plan to gradually uncover the covered remnants of the steppe, connect them with communication routes and, if successful, let the living mowers get to work.
But what troubles us is the mess in the bushes left by homeless people, and also syringes in the grass.
We're organising a neighbourhood working party to clear up the mess and rake the leaves that have been left under the cut-back bushes. This will speed up the return of the grass, and the live lawnmowers will then help us with the threshing that will surely appear.
Will you also get involved in helping this interesting place?
Radlice forest-steppe tour – Will the sheep be able to get here?
Photo: O. Hercog (03/03/2023)
Radlice forest-steppe tour – Will the sheep be able to get here?
Photo: O. Hercog
Radlice forest-steppe tour – Will the sheep be able to get here?
Photo: O. Hercog
Radlice Forest-Steppe Tour
Photo: O. Hercog
Radlice Forest-Steppe Tour
Photo: O. Hercog
Radlice forest-steppe tour – Vojta, Ondra and Michal
Photo: O. Hercog (03/03/2023)
10/3/2023
We received seedlings from the Prague City Hall. CarnationDianthus carthusianorum – thank you!
The carnation belongs in dry spots in the forest steppe, where we will plant it as part of a volunteer day. Those dry meadows will suit it, and it will beautify them.
We are arguing with the magistrate about further options for reintroducing the plant species that belong there.
The magistrate supports us, they like our plans and the use of live lawnmowers as a natural method of restoring and maintaining similar sites.,
Carthusian Pink – Dianthus carthusianorum
Photo: Wiki
Carthusian Pink – Dianthus carthusianorum
Photo: O. Hercog (10/03/2023)
2/4/2023
Ondra walked around the bottom of the garden and planted white dead-nettle (Lamium album) seedlings there. These are an important food source for bumblebees. Similarly, a number of other insects, such as solitary bees, graze on them.
Together, under the fruit trees, we are creating areas that will not be mown and will protect the trees from damage. Dead-nettles will thrive in semi-shade and, together with yellow archangel (Galeobdolon luteum), will create further food sources for local sprites.
We planted dogwoods in January as part of the pruning and as you can see, most have taken beautifully and will bloom in the spring.
The comfrey we planted last year during a volunteer day is beautifully sprouting.
Planting dead-nettles
Photo: O. Hercog (02/04/2023)
Planting dead-nettles
Photo: O. Hercog (02/04/2023)
Planting dead-nettles – white dead-nettle
Photo: O. Hercog (02/04/2023)
Planting dead-nettles – yellow archangel
Photo: O. Hercog (02/04/2023)
Comfrey
Photo: O. Hercog (02/04/2023)
19/4/2023
Vojta set off to monitor the sowing of the garden, which took place before the winter of 2022-23. Unfortunately, the warm January and February prematurely awakened a number of seeds, and some then froze in March.
The areas where the bank is preparing space for a nursery have taken best – buttercups, daisies (they took in trampled areas, sown into the grass) – they will bloom next year (they will need to be mown earlier than the rest to make a clump). The areas that are more visible have taken less well, possibly because dogs frequent them more, etc. However, the final result is satisfactory!
The hop-scented hawkbit, loved by bumblebees and parasitic on grass roots, has established itself. This will help other plants by giving them a chance to grow in places that would otherwise be taken over by grass.
Vojta then sowed seeds in some spots to increase species diversity, for example with seeds of hairy vetch.
Comfrey also took well, which Ondra brought from Vítek Cach from Polička and which Jana and Paulína planted as part of Volunteer Day 2022.
Islands of other plants are also sprouting beautifully.
Vojta also cleared out an anthill with wood ants, which will allow more sunshine to reach it. They are already awake. It's good that we covered them with netting in the autumn. This winter, dogs and birds didn't dig them up. Well, tell me – banking ants, who has those these days? 😀
The garden is coming to life, and not just because it's spring – Call in and see for yourself!
Dosev 2023 – Comfrey
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – Comfrey
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – Kokrhel luštinec
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – Kokrhel luštinec
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – White Daisy
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – White Daisy
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – Forest Ants
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023 – Forest Ants
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
Dosev 2023
Photo: V. Koštíř (19/04/2023)
17/4/2023
Join the event we're organising for ČSOB a.s. as part of their „ČSOB Changes Czechia“ campaign and the „Commuting Programme 2023“ initiatives, which support employee activity and simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint associated with commuting to and from work.
We've also invited our neighbours from Farkáň, Waltrovka, and Malzavinky. Vojta will certainly appeal to them as a guide, as will the weather we've ordered.
Date of event: 21/4/2023
Meeting 15:00 in front of the bank by the chapel
End 17:00 Zlíchov Tram Stop
Route https://mapy.cz/s/pafebakace
We will first head to the former Frič farm on ČSOB land, where we will discuss its history, the bombing in 1945, and look at old trees that witnessed the farm's greatest glory. In addition, we will also talk about the changes in park maintenance that ČSOB has been undertaking since last year. These are intended to support biodiversity. We will show you the live insects that can be found in the park.
Next, we will head towards Dívčí hrady, where the grazing of Przewalski's horses, in cooperation with Prague Zoo, is taking place to support biodiversity.
We will view the horses from the observation point and head towards the Děvín hillfort (a place known from the film "Citizens").
From it, there is a beautiful view of Prague, and here we will talk about the history of the fortified settlement and show you the butterflies, bumblebees, and insects that live in this location, as well as the plants they graze on.
Then we will head towards Hlubočepy, walk through the old housing estate made famous in Jaroslav Foglar's books, and depending on your preference, we will end the walk at the tram stop in Zlíchov or at Smíchov railway station.
Bumblebees PLUS – Guided walk to Dívčí hrady – 2023
Bumblebees PLUS – Guided walk to Dívčí hrady – 2023
Source: Mapy.cz
Bumblebees PLUS – Guided walk to Dívčí hrady – 2023
Photo:
Internet
21/4/2023
We're going for a walk!
It all could be described as „He who wasn't there, wasn't really there,“ but seriously now.
We met at the chapel on the corner of the bank, the classic „Walk Participants“. But it wasn't just employees who turned up; neighbours and those who found out about the event on Facebook also arrived. This is great because it's exactly what our events aim to do – connect the banking institution with its surroundings and forge new friendships and alliances.
Ondra and Slávek Holík introduced today's event, and likewise, together with Paulína, they presented the project for the revitalization of the surrounding area.
Vojta presented an „attack plan“ and immediately got out his little tools, meaning insect collection jars. This was so that the participants would take away not only miles on their legs, but also some information.
We immediately set about looking for insect samples, and Vojta identified them on the spot. He always added some interesting talk to it.
First we walked through a bit of the garden, and then we headed uphill, in the direction of Dívčí hrady and further. Sometimes it was a challenging path, Vojta took us through places where he and his sheep walk, so it was worth it!
Perhaps instead of words, you'll look at the photo report. From that, you'll see how that disparate group became a good team and how the outing didn't end with a simple „Bye,“ but with a sit-down over a well-deserved and excellent drink.
What to do better next time? Perhaps not be afraid to promote a similar event more and thus attract more interested parties.
Would you like to repeat a similar action? Just ask at ČSOB or write to us at FB Bumblebees PLUS, or at info@cmelaciplus.cz
A walk around Radlice
Photo: A. Trägerová (21/04/2023)
A walk around Radlice
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/04/2023)
A walk around Radlice
Photo: P. Jirsová
A walk around Radlice
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/04/2023)
A walk around Radlice
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/04/2023)
A walk around Radlice
Photo: P. Jirsová (21/04/2023)
A walk around Radlice
Photo: S. Holík (21/04/2023)
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If you want to see more photos from the event, take a look HERE
A walk for herbs
Source: ČSOB
3/5/2023
Today was a day for Michal and the bank employees, as a herb walk was held in the Farkáň forest park.
A walk in the bank's garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (03/05/2023)
A walk in the bank's garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (03/05/2023)
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A walk in the bank's garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (03/05/2023)
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A walk in the bank's garden
Photo: P. Jirsová (03/05/2023)
On Wednesday, 3 May, a walk took place with ČSOB employees, where we primarily discussed the herb layer of the local forest park and the properties and capabilities of the herbs found there.
We started from scratch and talked about the significance of plants as such, and that plants are really more than just oxygen factories.
The group (around 25 people) was quite playful, so we also had a competition to identify wild plant fruits, assign plants to families, and then we searched for and tasted the medicinal plants found here.
We walked around the entire area and talked about the individual sites and the characteristics of the vegetation found here. The walk took approximately 1.5 hours.
We really enjoyed the event and look forward to it happening again.
Paulina
4/5/2023
Preparations for the Volunteer Day 5/2023 are in full swing. Our Facebook invitation will give you a glimpse:
We invite you to a volunteer day in the garden in old Radlice.
We will be tidying up, but also building, we will help nature and have fun. We will also connect colleagues from ČSOB with neighbours from Radlice, Waltrovka and Malvazinky.
We want to continue with the pruning of bushes, return plants suitable for the location (forest steppe) to nature, build more composters, construct insect hotels, and much more.
It's simultaneously a „gym“ and an opportunity to get your body moving. Therefore, with supervision, you can test out „real mowing“ as well. If you like it, we will organise such a gym and ecological mowing regularly.
There will be more, so sign up and come along 🙂
Work shoes, clothing, gloves and rakes are welcome.
Meet at 9:00 AM by the tall poplar on the former Frič farm (or "Frička" for locals).
Biodiversity volunteering day at CSOB
Source: ČSOB
6/5/2023
We don't stop even on the weekend. Ondra brought material for making waste bins. The garden is crying out for them, and the citizens are calling for them – not just dog walkers. The plan is to make the bodies of the bins and finish them on site.
Preparation for volunteer day
Photo: O. Hercog (06/05/2023)
Preparation for volunteer day
Photo: O. Hercog (06/05/2023)
10/5/2023
To make matters worse, we'll be heading out to forage for herbs again – this time on the NHQ watch!
Herb garden on the NHQ roof
– lecture and harvest
Source: ČSOB
3/5/2023
The seminar took place on May 3rd on the bank's roof and was again very well attended.
Besides an interesting talk, Michal also prepared samples of extraordinary medicinal herbs. Then, the employees had the opportunity to plant some types of herbs in planters.
All the planted troughs remained on the roof and are available to employees. We concluded the seminar with a tasting of herbal tea and syrup.
Michal usually impressed everyone with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic. A group of people also emerged who would like to exchange herbs they have grown amongst themselves.
We are already looking forward to seeing our herb garden grow nicely.
Paulina
PS. Michal was too shy to show off his herbal liqueurs, but perhaps that will happen next year.
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
For herbs on the roof of ČSOB Prague Radlice
Photo: P Jirsová (03/05/2023)
17/5/2023
Today the spring volunteer day was held at the ČSOB Prague Radlická premises.
The volunteers' day ended successfully. The entire project team turned up, including the youngest member, little Mikuláš, and his mum, Monika.
Our project manager Petra also arrived from Polička and brought excellent refreshments.
Unfortunately, Ondřej couldn't attend the volunteer day due to work commitments, but he put in his hours at home. 
. He prepared and brought us 2 new bins and the bases for 4 insect hotels, which our volunteers filled with suitable materials (grass stalks, bricks, and twigs with holes, etc.).
Together with the bank's employees, we mowed a good portion of the grassy meadow with scythes, filled composters to bursting point, built another large composter in the upper part of the park, prepared and installed bins and insect houses, and cleared away more overgrown branches and bushes. We also planted seedlings of carnations, which we received from the City Hall of Prague.
Not only the bank employees arrived, but also neighbours from Farkáně, Waltrovka and Malvazinky – isn't that great?
We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that day.
We're already all looking forward to the autumn volunteer day, when we'll be working together again, while also having fun.
Paulina
There are lots of photos from the event, take a look HERE
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
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CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jirsová (17/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jílková (15/05/2023)
CSOB Prague Radlice Volunteer Day
Photo: P. Jílková (15/05/2023)
4/6/2023
Ondra is heading out to check on the hives. Since we were bothered by ants, he is putting PET bottle caps with Chemstop under the feet of the hives.
The group of breeders from the bank, that is Paulína, Katka and Martin, are taking good care of them, you can tell!
Ondra also brought another scare, which we finally managed to overcome. The first mother from it got lost, so we had to start again from the beginning. As you can see for yourselves, the queen arrived at the bank like a true lady.
Control
Photo: O. Hercog (04/06/2023)
Control
Photo: O. Hercog (04/06/2023)
Control
Photo: O. Hercog (04/06/2023)
7/6/2023
This year, the weather has been playing up, and unfortunately, we're not managing to catch up with the company that's supposed to be cutting the grass on the land. We need to escalate this because the grass has grown too long.
We are however making ourselves happy with the sowing of catchfly. It is doing very well and is helping us to weaken the grass. Well…you can't see it now, but next year there should be a bit less grass.
But what's worse – in many places the grass is mown but not cleared away = we're calling the company to sort it out!
If the grass is left on the ground as mulch, it will unnecessarily go to seed and will also rot.
The bank's garden
Photo: O. Hercog (07/06/2023)
Garden Balsam - Peony
Photo: O. Hercog (07/06/2023)
The bank's garden
Photo: O. Hercog (07/06/2023)
The bank's garden
Photo: O. Hercog (07/06/2023)
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The bank's garden
Photo: O. Hercog (07/06/2023)
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11/6/2023
Unfortunately, we're having trouble finding a company to clear the grass. It's starting to rot in the warm and humid weather.
We're not just calling SOS, we're getting stuck in – we're at least digging in some places to save what we can...
In other places it blooms and thrives nicely. The foxglove is gradually ripening, we are planning to harvest the seeds for next year.
Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023
Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023
Garden bank – pea pod
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023)
Garden Balsam - Peony
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023)
Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023
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Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023)
Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023)
Garden at the bank – clearing decaying grass
Photo: O. Hercog (11/06/2023
24/6/2023
Greater yellow rattle It's a really great plant. We're glad Vojta managed to get it last year and it grew on the plot. See how the bumblebees and other insects enjoy it. On YouTube Čmeláci PLUS, you can find more bumblebee videos, now also from the bank garden.
Did you know that cockscomb is a hemiparasite?
12/6/2023
We are walking around the plot. We are glad we managed to keep it alive thanks to the watering. Carthusian pink
We got it from the Magistrát and planted it on a volunteer day.
It grows beautifully here too Common Viper's-bugloss It is drought-tolerant and doesn't need our care, insects like it.
CSOB Garden – Small Blue Flower Card
Photo: O. Hercog (12/06/2023)
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The CSOB Garden – Common Viper
Photo: O. Hercog (12/06/2023)
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11/7/2023
Ondra heads off to check the nests on the bank's roof.
Despite it being very warm this year, the hives are fine. The bank team is diligently taking care of cooling the hives and thanks to that, everything is okay.
Bumblebees PLUS – Ulcer Check
Photo: O. Hercog (11/07/2023)
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Bumblebees PLUS – Ulcer Check
Photo: O. Hercog (11/07/2023)
Bumblebees PLUS – Ulcer Check
Photo: O. Hercog (11/07/2023)
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Bumblebees PLUS – Ulcer Check
Photo: O. Hercog (11/07/2023)
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31/8/2023
The bank has started work on the playground for its nursery. We knew about the event, and now we have the plans. So we'll see what it looks like in reality.
Bumblebees PLUS – Kindergarten Playground ČSOB Prague
Photo: ČSOB (31/08/2023)
29/9/2023
Today there was a site visit and I mean that literally 😀
We met up there with friends David Číp from Jaro Jaroměř and also with Dr. Jakub Straka from UK. We are planning to accelerate the thinning of the forest-steppe and forest to reach our agreed goals more quickly.
We have visited the places where we will be working on insect villages, especially those that will be on the clay slope. They need to be prepared in time so they can settle in the spring.
The grass has grown again, so we'll get back to mowing so that everything is ready for the autumn volunteer day.
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
8/9/2023
Neighbours from Farkana it reports that work has begun on the playground.
Michal is heading out to oversee what's happening there and, if necessary, perform pruning on any affected trees. We want to save a few fruit trees – relics of the allotment colony. There's a lovely old apricot tree that we have a fondness for, and Vojtík especially does.
It's great that neighbours take an interest in their surroundings, and not only that, they help to make this place nice too.
MŠ ČSOB Prague Radlice Playground
Photo: R. Petr (09/08/2023)
8/9/2023
The neighbours from Farkaně report, that work has started on the site. We are quite sorry that we couldn't participate in the project preparation. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones…
We are grateful for mindful neighbours. Those who take an interest in what's happening around them, but not just passively – they are not afraid to get involved and help out!
MŠ ČSOB Prague Radlice Playground
Photo: R. Petr (09/08/2023)
9/9/2023
Michal is heading out to the plot with a chainsaw. The aim is to check which trees might be affected and give them a health cut.
Vojta is worried about the old apricot tree. We love it, it's a memento of old times. Quite possibly even from the days when there was a large apricot orchard here after the war.
29/9/2023
Work on the playground is in full swing. Unfortunately, the landscaping has affected areas where we sowed interesting plants and where everything came to life. The workers dug up the soil in places we hadn't anticipated.
Shame, we'll have to start again…
However, we will use the Prague lawn seed mix for areas where there is no grass. If grass were sown there, it would mean more work. The aim of lawn management is to cultivate the grass so that something beneficial to nature grows on the plot. A classic approach, which means just mowing and tidying, doesn't achieve much.
It doesn't look very nice on the plot at the moment, but keep your fingers crossed that it improves soon. Unfortunately, it will take about a year or two...
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
Garden renovation, Radlice
Photo: O. Hercog (29/9/2023)
30/9/2023
Though we're all over the world (Prague, Polička, Mexico, and Poland), we are diligently preparing plans for the Autumn Volunteer Day.
We definitely want to repeat the apple pressing, it was popular last year.
Petra has already secured PET bottles for the cider; we are preparing hardware and other equipment. Ondra has already activated the neighbour from Farkáň; Martina and Alice are already preparing the invitation. We won't be doing a separate volunteer day for the neighbours, but just a joint one.
Paulína is fine with the Farkáňers and Waltrová's people joining. So, keep your fingers crossed!
The autumn volunteer day at the ČSOB gardens will take place on 18/10/2023.
Here's a small reminder from the cider press in 2022. You can find more on the blog from that year. HERE.
CSOB Volunteer Day 7_10_2022 Prague Radlice – These precision munitions will end up in the Czech Republic, but if necessary, they will also be used in the East
13/10/2023
The last meeting before the autumn volunteer day.
We've gone through the prepared plans and tasks with Paulina. Everything is okay, green lights all the way.
And now we just need the sun to shine. But we're thinking about that too and have it on our to-do list – Péťa has taken charge of it!
Volunteer Day 18.10.2023
14/10/2023
Ondra heads out into the field, placing flyers inviting people to the event. People are interested – overalls and tools in hand really work!
PS. Did you know Vojta „loves“ signs in the field?
😀
Volunteer Day – Teaser
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – Teaser
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
18/10/2023
The „Autumn 2023“ volunteer day is here! As we count, this will be our 4th event of this kind that Paulina and I have organised. How many people will come and what will the weather be like?
Paulína primarily took care of the first part at the bank. Ondra spread the information on social media. However, it's always tricky there because, on weekdays, it's mostly only employees who can view it.
Ondra's taken holiday, so we'll finally all be there – the whole gang on our thumbs.
We meet in advance at our favourite summer oak tree near Frička. Ondra won't be told and keeps calling it a „poplar“ 😀 But we're used to it now, so I know where to get off…
We have a lot of material and tools because Petra completed her main task and secured beautiful weather.
We had a bit of trouble getting a fruit crusher, but eventually Péťa brought one all the way from Pardubice.
It's 9 o'clock and we're starting!
Volunteer Day – Work Machine Depot
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – one more photo before we start and let's go!
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Paulína is arriving with a group of bankers – there are a lot of them this time, so that's great. As we've been gauging, the voluntary day is already known about, so more and more people are signing up.
My colleague Jaromír Čížek also came, which was a pleasant surprise.
Ondra will give the opening speech. He will briefly introduce everyone to the project. Then he will present today's plans and the leaders:
- Michal – Arboriculture
- Vojta – Sowing and Cutting
- Ondra – insect houses
- Petra – Cleaning and Cider Press
There were many more tasks, we didn't underestimate the preparation, or as they say: „He who is prepared is not surprised“.“
We let everyone choose according to their interest, with the understanding that they could rotate. We almost roped in our neighbour, Mr. Pekar. He stopped by while walking his dog and nearly ended up with a job.
Ondra and his team started by repairing the netting around the anthill and the roof over the rubbish bins.
During the day, they worked on preparing foundations for colonies of social bees (so-called solitary bees). For them, they prepared clay slopes and a simple stone structure from the excavated material.
They then netted insect houses and roofed them to prevent birds from getting in and eating the overwintering solitary bees, and also to stop water getting in. They used old trunks of dead trees. These were drilled so that other solitary bees and insects could settle in them.
Also cleaned the neglected corner behind the chapel and trimmed the bushes so that homeless people wouldn't hide there.
Did you know that stag beetles can be found here? They also like the wood of old oaks, but that is also present here, or its alternatives.
Volunteer Day – We're repairing the ant colony's defence network
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – We are also preparing insect hotels for 2024
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – we are also tidying up areas for insect colonies
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
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Volunteer Day – We are modifying insect houses so that birds cannot get into them
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – We're modifying old tree trunks to provide habitats for insects
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
In addition to the good weather, Péťa ensured a good mood and energy. In the morning before the event, she cooked, packed, and transported the catering from home.
She and her team pressed 107 litres of cider. Everyone got a share, so we once again had some excellent cider made from 100% organic apples from Zadní Kopanina.
Péťa is simply the good soul of the team and sunshine. It doesn't matter that they're from „abroad,“ that is, from Polička.
Volunteer Day – We're juicing!
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – We're juicing!
Photo: P. Jílková (18/10/2023)
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Volunteer Day – Catering Polička Style
Photo: P. Jirsová (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – I'm working like a devil and so need to replenish my energy
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – We have plenty of cider
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
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Vojta and his team have embarked on reseeding. Due to the work on the new kindergarten playground, some areas need to be restored, and also seedling patches need to be established.
That's why it digs, disturbs the turf and re-sows. The disparate team was tasked with creating islands of corn cockle.
Finally, hedges are trimmed and firewood is brought into the woods.
Volunteer Day - Prune and cut!
Photo: P. Jílková
(18/10/2023)
Volunteering Day – Carrying Wood to the Forest in Practice
Photo: P. Jirsová (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – No time for sunbathing, there's sowing and planting, and whoever finishes gets more work 😀
Photo: P. Jirsová (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – Vojta orders: „Clover seeds according to size!“
Photo: P. Jirsová (18/10/2023)
Michal and his gang were also working hard. They planted new fruit trees, pruned bushes and didn't stop all day. Paulína then ran between the bank and the orchard and watered the roots of the trees with the team. It was necessary because it was terribly dry. Petra had the job of ensuring good weather and added to that. We didn't give her the task of making it rain the next day.
PS. But even so, she managed it, and on Thursday it was like a badger's. Those with a wicked tongue say we got lucky; we who know Péťa know better...
Volunteer Day – Planting new fruit trees
Photo: P. Jílková
(18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – Planting new fruit trees
Photo: P. Jirsová
(18/10/2023)
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Volunteer day – he won't take a saw into his hands, but he's a true arborist...
Photo: P. Jílková
(18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – Compost bins overflowing
Photo: P. Jílková
(18/10/2023)
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Our big mascot couldn't be missing from the event – little Miky, or Mikuláš. He had a bit of a cold, but he wasn't put off and worked with us all day!
Photo: O. Hercog (18/10/2023)
We're completely exhausted. Yet people are interested in the project, in ways to help nature.
We are meeting to put a full stop to Volunteer Day with ČSOB 2023 and invite everyone to our next events.
I think this one was also successful and raised the bar again. Thank you to everyone, but especially to Paulína, without whom we wouldn't be here and wouldn't have experienced all of this. We appreciate the work done and also the new friendships that have been formed here.
Thank you!
Volunteer Day – Thank You at the End of the Event
Photo: P. Jílková (18/10/2023)
Volunteer Day – Thank You at the End of the Event
Photo: P. Jílková (18/10/2023)
HERE These are photos from the event that didn't fit into the text – can you see yourself in them?
Otherwise, So join in and come to the Spring 2024 Volunteer Day!
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29/10/2023
We are working on preparing the cleaning of the VKP (Special Protected Area) Lesostep on the bank's land. If it works out, it will be a small step for man, but a giant leap for the project, so keep your fingers crossed!
Areas in project care
Photo: M. Plundra (2023)
1/11/2023
November begins with great news – we'll have heaps of work until the end of the year, but in spring, the forest-steppe will awaken to new life.
We'll tell you more soon!
15/11/2023
TAnd it's confirmed!
We've been given the go-ahead to clear the forest-steppe above the bank, see plot no. 1 on the previous picture – map. It's an area of over 1 hectare where invasive woody plants will be removed to gradually restore the forest-steppe. We will also be clearing some parts of the forest to let light in. All areas will be opened up and made accessible as a result.
It will be a lot of work, but we are looking forward to it.
You have already seen the following picture here. This small area, too, will now merge with the neighbouring patches, and the shrubs here will be replaced by steppe grass.
Radlice forest-steppe tour – Will the sheep be able to get here?
Photo: O. Hercog
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3/12/2023
The countryside has snuggled into a white duvet, but our project isn't sleeping – quite the opposite!
Next week we are launching a big event – the cleanup of the forest-steppe.
ČSOP JARO Jaroměř will be clearing self-sown trees from the slope on the riverbank. Isolated remnants of the forest-steppe will be connected to form more continuous areas. Self-sown trees will be removed, whilst higher-quality trees will be retained. Similarly, the old apricot trees remaining from the original orchard will be preserved.
We will open up some places where homeless people used to hide or where drug addicts would meet. The space will thus become safer for everyone who comes here for relaxation and nature.
We are already looking forward to seeing more butterflies appear here, which the steppe grasses need to survive. It won't be immediate, but it will happen!
The excavated material will be moved down to Frička, where it will be chipped. The chipping will be carried out under the responsibility of the Centre.
We will also thin out part of the forest, remove some of the self-sown trees and retain the high-quality trees. We will also remove some of the broken branches that pose a risk of falling on passers-by. The thinned-out forest will be restored to a state where people could go for walks and children could play there. There will also be places to sit in the shade, but with a view of Radlice.
Thanks to the fact that the work will be carried out by an experienced team from the Czech Union for Nature Conservation (ČSOP) and it will be an ecological project. It's not just about pruning. Thinking and working sensitively with regard to the given location and conditions is also necessary here. Together with JARO, Michal will also be present, representing the role of an arborist architect.
Don't worry, it won't be a dramatic change, but a gradual transformation. In this stage, we will clear approximately 1.5 hectares of woodland and forest.
Everything is proceeding with the consent of the Municipal District Prague 5 and the Municipal Authority of the Capital City of Prague.
If you wish to get involved, please don't hesitate. The bank organises volunteer days every year for employees and for citizens/neighbours. You too can contribute to making this place beautiful and beneficial for both nature and people. Even if you don't get involved in the work, you can still protect the place from vandals and those who make a mess here.
We have put together a simple information leaflet to let the public know what is happening here. I’m sure they will find it interesting and perhaps even get involved.
Thank you to ČSOB a.s. for making its land available to citizens and helping to develop biodiversity here!
Keep your fingers crossed for us – let’s hope the work goes well, even in these challenging weather conditions.
Common Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)
Photo: Prague Pasture
Marbled White
Photo: A. Makara
Meadow-steppe cleaning Prague Radlice 2023