To this end, a Belgian laboratory regularly analyzes the collected pollen, using the DNA it contains to draw conclusions about the species in the area and compare them both over time and with data from other locations. The first results are now available.
The most important thing first: overall, the biodiversity recorded in and around Siemensstadt Square is above the average of the more than 120 projects in 17 countries included in the database. There is an above-average number of wild plants in the area and they have a high nutrient content - both of which are important for the conservation of native species. The analysis team therefore rates the overall biodiversity as good to above average.
Incidentally, the bees fly in a radius of around 1.5 kilometers around the beehive, which is located in Siemensstadt Square on the roof of the Dynamowerk. They thus represent the diversity of plants in Siemensstadt Square, but also in the immediate vicinity in Siemensstadt and parts of Haselhorst. The overall area therefore consists of industrial and commercial areas, but also residential areas, the Rotten Spree, part of the Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Park, the railroad embankment and allotments. A natural urban mix and therefore a good cross-section. However, according to the Belgian analysis team, climate change has also made itself felt here over the past three years. The hot summers of 2023 and 2024, long periods of drought and heavy rainfall events In addition, the team found evidence of some so-called invasive species in the pollen material - plants that can displace native species.
The Siemensstadt Square team is now using these findings to replace these species, which include the widespread robinia and ash maple, with other, non-invasive trees and shrubs when planting new trees and shrubs as part of the development of the area. The data can also be used, for example, to plan the mowing of open spaces in a more targeted manner and optimize it with regard to biodiversity. The bees will continue to “observe” this.