Projects close to our hearts
Bringing love and nature together in everyday life.
We are constantly dedicated to the projects closest to our hearts, and beyond that, we are also passionate about nature, family, and community. We don’t do anything just for the sake of it. We do everything out of a deep-seated drive that’s been with us since birth. From our own forest in Krumbach to our orchards and our edible paradise right in the heart of downtown Vienna.
So that foxes and hares can say good night to each other again:
Sustainable forestry in Krumbach
Forty years ago, Franz Blochberger Sr. had the idea of practicing sustainable forestry in Krumbach in the Bucklige Welt region. What does that mean? The term “sustainability” actually originated in forestry and means that no more wood is harvested than can regrow.
Franz Blochberger Sr. recognized early on how important it is to preserve the forest as a source of raw materials, a water reservoir, and a habitat. And so he began reforesting a healthy mixed forest that can better withstand climate change and the resulting pest infestations. Through natural regeneration, which means that trees reproduce on their own, oaks, beeches, and pines are growing. In addition, the forester plants Douglas firs, firs and larches.
The forest grows and thrives, providing a home for many precious living creatures. It is a little corner of the earth where the cycle of life is celebrated and nature is cherished. Even today, all five sons of Franz Blochberger Sr., Franz, Martin, Andreas, Georg, and Harald, still help plant trees every year. And the grandchildren are already showing an interest, too. The forest in Krumbach—a project spanning generations.
Working in the heart of nature:
Our edible terrace in Vienna
We love working surrounded by nature and we can never get enough of it, even outside of work. That’s why, together with our friend Siegfried Tatschl, a pioneer of permaculture in Austria, we created our ‘edible terrace’.”
The timber for our terrace came from our own forest in Krumbach. This is how we created a green oasis in the heart of Vienna, with edible plants all around our office. A little paradise where it’s not just the eyes that feast. We love watching our green oasis grow and flourish. The first ripe fruits have already been harvested.
A garden like Eden
Our little orchards among the wind turbines
Two fields have been created around a wind farm that were too small for traditional farming. Since Franz Blochberger has long been involved in sustainable agriculture and permaculture, he decided during the construction of the wind farm to turn the two plots into green oases: our wind turbine orchards. Together with the Arche Noah association, around 200 different heirloom fruit trees and shrubs, many of which are threatened with extinction, were selected and planted. The two oases are open to the public and invite visitors to linger and learn.
So it’s no wonder that numerous school classes also enjoy coming here to watch the fruit trees and shrubs grow. The principals and teachers at the elementary and middle schools were thrilled by this creative and sustainable project and immediately incorporated it into their lessons. As a result, the students have become mentors for our local fruit trees and shrubs. Since the orchard opened in 2017, they’ve been lovingly caring for their little plants: “Nurturing and tending” is the motto, which is actively put into practice several times a year during field trips to the orchards. The work pays off! In summer, they harvest and enjoy the fruit. Through this project, the children learn to appreciate agricultural products and develop a connection to nature. They experience firsthand how much time and patience it takes before fruit can be harvested and eaten.