In April, the Urban Ecology and Biodiversity working group once again welcomed Ellen De Vrieze, a guest researcher from the University of Ghent, to Bochum. Valentin Klaus, Simon Mösch and Jacqueline Hoppenrijs set out with her on an excursion to various places in the Ruhr region with that represent the interplay between industrial culture and nature.

They visited the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen and the Tetrahedron in Bottrop. At these sites, central elements of the Ruhr region's industrial history are being recolonized by nature. Among other things, Canada geese and Egyptian geese, a bat and a flock of sheep were observed - and the well-known “crocodile” in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park was also part of the tour.

The focus was on exciting discussions about urban ecology, rewilding and biodiversity. The excellent blend of history, biodiversity and joint discussion made the day a highlight for everyone involved.