Nussdorf and Traismauer: Golden hedgehog for ecological green!

Nussdorf and Traismauer: Golden hedgehog for ecological green!

The municipalities of Nussdorf and Traismauer were awarded the renowned "Golden Igel", a prize that is awarded to municipalities in Lower Austria every year by the "Nature in the Garden" initiative. According to NÖN this award is characterized by the natural and ecological design of public green areas. The prerequisite for this is the complete compliance with criteria that require chemical-synthetic crop protection and fertilizers as well as the use of peat.

In order to win the "gold hedgehog", the municipalities have to document their services and show that they meet the specifications 100 percent. The application for the award takes place annually, and the documents can now be requested by e-mail by regional consultants, as explained on the website of

structure of a natural garden culture

The competition promotes natural care for public green areas and aims to improve ecological diversity and the city climate. At a time when the decline in species is worrying, it is particularly important not only to create green areas, but also to make it sustainable and network them. The importance of larger, coherent green spaces is also highlighted by Bfn offer.

The project N.A.T.U.R. Supports municipalities actively in the creation of attractive and ecologically valuable green areas and promotes citizen participation in planning and implementing local projects. These aspirations are part of the Stadtnatur master plan, which provides innovative approaches for more biological diversity in urban areas.

application process for the "golden hedgehog"

The submission period for the "Golden Hedgee" 2024 ends on January 31, 2025. In order to apply, interested municipalities have to download a nursing report, fill out and enclose the relevant evidence of their public relations. The processing of the applications provides for any questions and the award will be announced by mid -March of next year, which gives the communities enough time for planning.

The award of the "golden hedgehog" is a valuable incentive for the communities to continue to work for a natural and sustainable design of public spaces. In view of the current ecological challenges, such initiatives are more important than ever to raise awareness of the preservation and promotion of biological diversity.