Wild Pigs. A CWGC Gardeners nightmare.

I am glad to report that the new fencing has been erected on the Heerstrasse side, where the main problem was.

It was not very high and the pigs actually jumped to stamp it down and get access.
The new fence is heavy duty with barbed wire at the top and two metres high.
It is also buried 30 cm into the ground.

The RBB (Radio Berlin Brandenburg) mast ajacent to the cemetery has been having renovation work, but it only effected the corner of the cemetery which contained the more modern burials of military family members.

The head stones were covered and area fenced off in case anything fell from the workers on the mast.

Work has been started on levelling the areas, but again with temperatures of -4oc the earth is not workable all the time.

Given the conditions it is not easy, to say the very least, for the very dedicated gardeners who are doing their utmost to get the cemetery back in order.

Regards
Tom

 

BBC News - Wild boar wreck World War II cemetery in Berlin

Wild boar have caused extensive damage to a cemetery in the German capital Berlin for British and Commonwealth servicemen killed in World War II.


The animals made their way into the cemetery from nearby forests and destroyed turf, causing £25,000-worth of damage.

 

for ref
CWGC website update

:: CWGC ::


15/02/2011 Wild Boar cause significant damage to Berlin 1939 - 1945 War Cemetery

Wild Boars have caused considerable damage to the lawns and borders of Berlin War Cemetery – with almost 10,000 square metres of turf destroyed by the animals as they root for grubs.


The damage was caused during November 2010, but heavy snow has concealed the scale of the problem until recently.

To prevent any further damage a new fence has been erected around the perimeter of the cemetery, while a full renovation programme will commence as soon as the ground conditions and weather improves. This is expected to be during the weeks commencing 21 and 28 March.

During this period, and while the lawns are re-established, the Commission would respectfully ask visitors to be patient with us as the cemetery’s appearance will not be up to our usual standards.

 

Peter,

Thanks for the link.

WW2Talk scooped the BBC for this information,

With temperatures her still below zero, working on this problem is not easy.

The pigs are a real nuisance in our area.

It was dark at 7pm a week last Friday, when my 14 yr old daughter was riding her bicycle along our road, returning from the Veterinary surgery, where she is undertaking three weeks practical work.

From her right nearside, a whole family of Wild Pigs came through the hedge into her path.

She told me that there was about 8 small pigs and the large Parents, both of which started to run towards her, possibly protecting their young.

A quick U turn and out of danger before she ventured to return home, but was pretty shook up with the exerience, so much so that I now pick her up.

Regards
Tom

 

Newsflash. Berlin wild boar reacts to news CWGC has hired new gardener: