Webinars

On February 13, 2025, the EXPBIO project hosted the third session of the Regional Seed Mixes for Flower Strips Webinar Series. This session featured Walter Bleeker from Saaten Zeller, one of Germany’s leading producers of regional seed mixes. The presentation provided a look at the collection, propagation, and certification of native seeds used in ecological restoration.

Key Speaker Highlights

Walter Bleeker shared insights on:

• Germany’s 22 seed source regions and their role in regional restoration efforts.
• The challenges of native seed collection and propagation, including genetic diversity and regulatory requirements.
• The importance of grasses in restoration mixes, depending on project goals and soil conditions.

A key takeaway was the balance between ecological integrity and large-scale seed production, ensuring that regional seed mixes meet both conservation and practical application needs.

Participant Insights and Key Questions

The Q&A session addressed topics such as:

• The use of herbicides in seed production and its potential ecological impact.
• How to balance species selection for different restoration sites.
• The expanding role of regional seed mixes beyond Germany into neighboring countries.

On January 30, 2025, the EXPBIO project hosted the second session of the Regional Seed Mixes for Flower Strips Webinar Series. 

This session featured Tom Junge and Johnny Benjes from Immerbunt, a German company specializing in biodiversity solutions for urban and agricultural landscapes. The discussion centered on practical approaches to enhancing ecological value on private and public premises.

Key Speaker Highlights

Tom Junge and Johnny Benjes shared their expertise on:

• Integrating biodiversity into corporate and public spaces through targeted habitat creation.
• The importance of regional seed mixes and their role in ensuring ecological resilience.
• Balancing economic and ecological goals in landscape restoration projects.

A major takeaway was the need to move beyond simply planting flower strips—long-term maintenance, habitat connectivity, and stakeholder engagement are essential for lasting impact.

Participant Insights and Key Questions

The Q&A session covered several important topics, including:

• How to choose the right seed mix for different soil types and environments.
• The role of mowing techniques and management strategies in maintaining biodiversity.
• Funding models for compensating farmers when converting land into permanent meadows.

On January 16, 2025, the EXPBIO project launched its Regional Seed Mixes for Flower Strips Webinar Series. The event brought together participants from across the North Sea Region to discuss innovative approaches to biodiversity restoration through the use of native seed mixes.

Key Speaker Highlights
The webinar featured Jojanneke Bijkerk from Cruydt-Hoeck, a pioneer in producing and distributing local native seeds for over 20 years. She shared her extensive experience in:

• The collection, production, and cleaning of native seeds.
• The importance of genetic diversity and local adaptation for successful ecosystem restoration.
• Strategies for ensuring sustainable soil management during seed production.

Jojanneke emphasized the ecological value of local seeds, noting that native plants are better adapted to regional climates and provide vital support to local organisms, including insects and soil microorganisms.

Participant Questions and Insights
 

The Q&A session shed light on restoration challenges, such as:

• The role of soil microbiomes in maintaining seed vitality.
• Strategies to prevent genetic pollution and maintain biodiversity during restoration efforts.
• Practical tips for maintaining biodiversity in restored meadows.