XsentrikArts Presents
Ackerhelden, in German, means Field/land/gardening heroes.
The name fits this amazing organization perfectly, as they promote bio-diversity in planting and urban gardening, among others.
Since 2017, the organization has creating green spaces in cities, biodiverse habitats in residential environments and urban areas. The “heroes” and their certified organic vegetable gardens create ecological, healthy and social interaction spaces, lively learning places and sustainable production areas for self-sufficiency. Ackerhelden is intent on establishing convertible and adaptable social-ecological infrastructure projects within sustainable urban development areas to make cities greener, to promote biodiversity and to citizens closer to what they eat, every day.
Die Ackerhelden – A Danny Nedkova Film
How we discovered the heroes in our neighborhood
Our introduction to Ackerhelden was simple; they were offering plots of land for cultivation to residents in our district, and we signed up as a family!
We now visit the plot of land assigned to us regularly, plant, water and dig out pesky weeds with our kids. The activity allows for a connection with nature, but also helps us understand and appreciate the value of farming, the work and effort it takes to grow crops and plants… And it gives us joy. The kids grab “paprika’s” (peppers) and snack on them while we maintain our plot and water the plants.
We can grow anything there: pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, kale, corn and much more.
The concept is simple: citizens get a plot of land, and with the help of Ackerhelden, maintain in, and harvest the yield.
By doing so, Ackerhelden ensures empty plots of land throughout Vienna are put to use, as opposed to remaining idle. They cooperate with farmers and organisations to ensure added value in respective districts, cities or even regions.
In addition to the organic vegetable gardens, Ackerhelden also develops and supports social-ecological infrastructure projects such as neighborhood projects, workshops and educational concepts for children and young people, while offering raised beds for private individuals and companies and providing seed packages, information and the Ackerhelden garden book.
Watch the film (below), produced by Xsentrikarts and created by filmmaker Danny Nedkova, to obtain more info. On this amazing initiative.