The project aims to convert the green areas around the faculty of Biology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in space, which combines favorable conditions for preserving the biodiversity in the region and in the same time develops and validates the biological and environmental education for students and citizens of Sofia city. The organizers of "Starling on the verge" want to focus public attention on the need of specific care for the conservation of biodiversity in the urban environment. They focus on issues related to the continued destruction of green areas in cities and the rapid loss of species due to the cancellation of their habitats. Because of destruction of trees and shrubs in Sofia, species like dippers, European robin, hedgehogs, bats and many other animals disappear, biologists say. People commonly do not notice these processes, but they are directly linked to their quality of life.
For the purposes of “Starling on the verge” volunteers among students and teachers at Biological faculty gather together to develop parts of the green areas in front of the faculty building – they enrich the vegetation and provide positive conditions for the animal species. For them is important that the transformation is happening exactly in the courtyard of the building, because this is the place where young biologists are being trained – people, who are called to take expert care to preserve nature. The idea for the initiative was warmly accepted by both the head of the faculty and an ecology expert of the Municipality "Lozenets", on whose territory the establishment is happening.
During the project volunteers planted new kinds of grasses and shrubs, suitable for the conditions in the area. Some of them were shaped into hedges, and others - in rockery. Suitable habitats for shelter and feeding of blackbirds, European robins, hawfinches and Eurasian wrens were provided. Students had the chance to visually study birds and with the help of their teachers planted typical plant species, suitable for the arrangement of green areas - alternative of ornamental plants. Young and more experienced biologists organized short expeditions in the vicinity of Sofia, to bring unprotected plants to the project area. In the garden shelters for nesting birds and bats were placed and the reproduction of the small and big Eurasian blue tit, Eurasian tree sparrow, starling and common noctule was stimulated. Feeders were built for wintering birds, like the mountain and common brambling, hawfinch and Eurasian nuthatch. Feeders allow close monitoring of birds for educational purposes of students, but they are also a great way to stimulate volunteering, which is useful not only for birds, but is a wonderful alternative for spending free time. During the project the so-called "hotels" for invertebrates were also created, home for woodlice, beetles, bugs and other species.
There are informational signs with drawings in the green areas, that are informative for every curios visitor. In this way more people have the opportunity to get to know the methods of biodiversity support in urban areas and can easily adapt them to other areas. A lot of visitations for small groups of children and students are being organized in the “living” museum of the Biological faculty. A special educational walk for youngsters is created, so that they can observe animals and plants and discuss how to take care for biodiversity at home. In addition, the students and teachers have created a system to gather rain water and use it to water the plants. The next step for the biologists is to create an artificial pond in the garden to further increase biodiversity.
The "Starling on the verge" is realized with the volunteer work of the participants in the "Starling" club, teachers-consultants for individual topics, as well as supporters outside the Biology Department. The club actively raises funds for future expansion of its activities and the maintenance of projects, which are already built. The students of the Faculty of Biology, as well as their colleagues from other faculties - Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicine, Physics, Geology and Geography, are able to benefit from the results of "Starling on the verge" by constantly passing through the green areas. There is a direct benefit to all visitors of the Biological Faculty, as well as dozens of people passing daily through the gardens, and around 80 high-school students who have classes in the building.
"Starling on the verge" is promoting educational and conservational values and its messages reach wide circles of people thanks to social networks, where its realization steps are covered in detail. "We believe that sometimes simple ideas can bring multiple benefits both for people and for nature", biologists state. According to them the ideas of their project aimed at restoring endangered relations between modern humans and nature. Many of the project activities are wonderful alternatives for young people. The initiative has positive effect for the students at the Biology Department, on the volunteer spirit and enthusiasm for conservation actions. The living Garden-Museum is open to all. Visitors without any restrictions can get involved and learn more on the importance of environmental protection and education.
The "Starling on the verge" is realized with the financial resources of this year's edition of the "Do it yourself" festival - "Starling on the verge" was the winner in March. The contest for little green ideas "Do it yourself" provides micro grants for 24 green initiatives across the country. "Do it yourself" supports civic green projects and is organized by Environmental Association "For the Earth".
Young and more experienced biologists built new shelter for the birds of Sofia
