Ark Region
Kellerwald
Welcome to Hesse's first Arche region!
In the Kellerwald Ark Region (Frankenau), rare and endangered breeds of domestic animals are preserved, protected, and bred. The "Ark Region" designation is awarded by the Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds. Currently, there are over 50 different Red List breeds in the area around Frankenau.
Frankenau has been an Ark Region since 2014, making it only the second region in Germany to be designated as dedicated to protecting the landscape and the ancient breeds.
Many breeders participate in conservation breeding programs and organize themselves into associations or communities. The exchange of breeding animals is essential for preserving heritage breeds. These breeders are highly committed, driven by idealism and passion. They are active both regionally and nationally to showcase their animals and ensure genetic exchange.
The Red List includes animal species ranging from bees to horses. Within each farm animal species, there is at least one endangered breed. In Hesse, various funding opportunities are available to support owners of heritage farm animal breeds.
Old domestic animal breeds - natural landscape gardeners
Sheep, goats, horses, and cows are used by local farmers to maintain the species-rich grasslands. These ruminant animals graze in site-specific areas according to their selective grazing behavior. Due to the varying conditions, careful consideration is given to the suitability of the species and breed when selecting animals.
Horses, being steppe animals, are primarily used in drier locations with mature grasses. Sheep and goats are particularly light and are frequently used for grazing where little or no damage to the ground is desired.
Different grazing concepts can be used to specifically promote or suppress certain plants.
Discover
Ark Region
Guided tours through the Ark region
Creation of the Arche region
The Arche region was created during the major nature conservation project Kellerwald Region. One focus of the project was the preservation and promotion of grassland that is valuable in terms of nature conservation, especially south and east of Frankenau. There have been various nature conservation initiatives since the 1990s.
During the project, the nature park purchased over 100 hectares of grassland as part of the land consolidation process, which has been extensively managed since then. Since then, the application of fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides has been prohibited on public areas in the project area. Specified mowing and grazing periods also enable the preservation of rare habitats such as poor grasslands and their species. Grazing with the hardy old breeds of domestic animals by local farmers fit well with the concept.
A total of 7 farms agreed to keep at least three different breeds. This means that the requirements for the Arche Region award in 2014 were met.
Arche-Region Kellerwald, Frankenau and Surrounding Areas e. V.
The association, which now has over 130 members, was founded in 2013 and consists of dedicated individuals who have set themselves the goal of "promoting old breeds of farm animals and cultivated plants, as well as the development of the diverse cultural landscape." Its members volunteer their time and thus form the heart of the Ark Region. Thomas Scheerer is the chairman of the association.
They are primarily responsible for organizing the Ark Day, which takes place every two years.
have contributed significantly to the financing of the Ark ship and take care of its maintenance
They often keep endangered breeds of domestic animals themselves and are dedicated breeders.
They regularly organize and help with "clean-up campaigns", the construction of stables and fences, and maintenance work such as hedges.
They contribute to networking among farmers and animal owners and provide advice on keeping old livestock breeds.
works together with the town of Frankenau and the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park to further develop the Ark region
Support the nature park in maintaining and marking the Ark Trail
Collaboration with organizations
Besides the Arche association, the Association for pedigree poultry breeding, animal and nature conservation of Frankenau and the surrounding area It plays an important role. Poultry can be bred on the club's own premises. In the outdoor area, one can admire some truly extraordinary and rare chickens and geese.
The City of Frankenau finances the additional costs for the Arche ship. Mayor Manuel Steiner has been the first chairman of the Arche Association since 2023.
The Waldeck-Frankenberg Landscape Conservation Association is available to farmers on site to provide specialist advice on grassland management and carries out maintenance measures.
The NABU Frankenau He maintains and protects valuable biotopes. In addition, as part of a grazing project, he keeps several Hinterwald cattle in a cooperative with local residents.
