Author:
Green Steps
Short summary:
The lime tree of Salcherstraße has gained protection as a natural monument. While our efforts have pushed the number of living protected trees to 53, dozens of ancient trees remain threatened by weak legislation and urban development.
A large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) standing in Salcherstraße in the Harland district of Sankt Pölten has recently been officially declared a natural monument. Entered into the city’s GIS database as ND 68 and included in the municipal zoning plan, this tree has now been granted special legal protection for its ecological and cultural value.
But what exactly is a natural monument? According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a natural monument (Category III) is a clearly defined natural feature of outstanding value due to its rarity, representativeness, aesthetic qualities, or cultural significance. This can include an ancient tree, a striking rock formation, a cave, a spring, or a waterfall. In Austria, natural monuments are declared primarily at the provincial level, where conservation authorities evaluate which features deserve protection. The criteria considered typically include age and size, rarity, aesthetic appeal, cultural or historical relevance, ecological value, and even the potential for education. Once recognized, these monuments receive strict legal protection: they cannot be felled, cut, or otherwise damaged without explicit permission.
Yet the process in Austria, and especially in Sankt Pölten, has faced criticism. The number of natural monuments in the city declined from 52 in earlier years to just 39 by 2022, reflecting not only the absence of new designations but also the loss of trees that were cut down or removed by the municipality. Authorities often cite liability concerns, arguing that old trees may pose safety risks, without taking into account that these same trees are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate regulation in urban environments. A particularly controversial case was the Maria Oak in Nadelbach, which was not accepted as a nature monument despite its ecological importance. We think the designation process should be transferred from municipal offices to an independent federal body that could prioritize long-term environmental value over short-term economic interests.
The recognition of the lime tree on Salcherstraße stands out as a positive development. It is also the fruit of years of work by Green Steps. In December 2022, together with FG Lanius and the municipal Green Party, we submitted applications for 185 new natural monuments about 300 trees with each 300cm or more girth at breast hight. While many have yet to be reviewed and approved, our work has already made a difference: thanks to our efforts, the number of natural monuments in Sankt Pölten has risen again - from 39 to 53 - marking the first additions in nearly two decades. Even though the city’s official list still reports 68 natural monuments, 15 of these trees were cut down in past years, meaning that the true number of protected living specimens is 53, 14 of which were added since 2022 thanks to Green Steps’ initiative.
Central to this success is the ARK platform, developed by Green Steps as a digital tool for citizens – young and old - to discover, map, and catalogue trees and other natural features. The ARK combines an easy mapping functionality with education and gamification: users can record the location of remarkable trees, learn about their ecological value, and earn points for time spent in nature or in learning activities. In this way, the platform not only builds a comprehensive database of natural features - the internet of nature - but also strengthens public awareness and participation. Over the past few years, volunteers have walked thousands of kilometers, mapping over 600 trees in and around Sankt Pölten – and many more in other municipalities. Without external funding or institutional support, this civic effort has already resulted in 16 new natural monuments being recognized, including the newly declared lime tree in Harland. Ancient trees do more than providing shade or aesthetic value - they cool cities, store carbon, host diverse species, and connect us with history and culture – they are a source of overall human well being.
St. Pölten is a typical small town. The successful pilot project can therefore be transferred to many other towns and helps to quickly scale up the impact of environmental education. Our vision is an Internet of Nature (IoN) that makes learning about nature fun. In times of climate change, old trees are the motherships of biodiversity, ensuring our survival and therefore must be strictly protected. With ARK, we have developed a tool that allows every user to actively engage in environmental protection and education. Not only every tree, but also every committed citizen makes a difference. If you are interested in protecting nature in your hometown, then sign up with us for community and commons mentor training.
Further reading:
• Wie ein innovatives app Bäume zu den Eckpfeilern von städtischen Naturlernräumen macht und informelle Umweltbildung beschleunigt
• Josef Schöffel Award received for environmental protection and nature education
• Gamified nature education is key to urban climate change adaptation
• Rejected application of a natural monument
• Monumental lime tree felled in Ochsemburg
• Ancient trees in danger
Interested to start a nature learning space in your town or school?
• Create a Community on the ARK and discover how to become a Commons Mentor!
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