A special highlight for nature lovers and all those interested in sustainable living and culinary delights is the EWILPA (Edible Wild Plants Park). This special park invites you to discover the world of regional wild herbs and learn about their many uses. In this article, we show you what you can do with wild herbs!
Take a nature vacation: Discover the diversity of regional wild herbs at EWILPA
In a world that is increasingly characterized by hectic and stress, many people are looking for ways to reconnect with nature. The region around the Hollerhöfe farms in the tranquil market town of Waldeck is perfect for a nature vacation - and more.
What is the EWILPA?
The Edible Wild Plants Park, EWILPA for short, is an innovative project dedicated to the preservation and use of native wild plants. Located in the picturesque market town of Waldeck, this park offers a unique opportunity to take a closer look at the region's flora. Here, visitors can explore the variety of edible wild plants, which otherwise often go unnoticed, on specially designed paths. Immerse yourself in the world of wild herbs during your nature vacation.
The park aims to raise awareness of the importance of wild plants and their potential as a sustainable source of food. The EWILPA is not only a place of learning, but also an oasis of peace and relaxation where you can enjoy the beauty of nature to the full - ideal for a relaxing nature vacation.
Key facts about EWILPA
- Location: The Edible Wild Plants Park (EWILPA) is located in the idyllic market town of Waldeck, not far from the Hollerhöfe.
- Size: A five-kilometre adventure trail with informative information boards leads through a total of 13 different areas
- Plant diversity: Over 100 different species of edible wild herbs and plants can be discovered in the park.
- Opening hours: The EWILPA is accessible all year round, with guided tours and workshops offered seasonally.
- Admission: Visiting the park is free of charge, but special events and courses may require a fee.
- Special highlight: The park is part of an international network of Edible Wild Plant Parks and is unique in the region.
Discover the diversity of regional wild herbs on your nature vacation
At EWILPA you will find a fascinating selection of wild herbs that have been used in regional cuisine and naturopathy for centuries. The best-known herbs include stinging nettle, goutweed, dandelion and yarrow. These plants, which are often regarded as weeds, are true treasures of nature. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances that have a health-promoting effect.
Nettles, for example, are a real superfood. It contains lots of iron and vitamin C and is traditionally used as a blood-purifying agent. Goutweed, often regarded as an annoying weed, is a real delicacy and is ideal for salads or as a spinach substitute. Dandelion is known for its liver cleansing properties and can be used in many ways in the kitchen - whether in salads, as a tea or as an ingredient in pestos. You can experience all these discoveries up close during your nature vacation at EWILPA.
Examples of regional wild herbs
- Daisy
- stinging nettle
- ground elder
- Dandelion
- Wild garlic
- Watercress
- chickweed
- Meadow hogweed
- Bedstraw
- Elderflowers
Recipe with wild herbs: Hearty herb spread
Ingredients:
- 100 g sunflower seeds
- 2 handfuls of finely chopped wild herbs: wild garlic, garlic rocket, watercress, shepherd's purse
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch of cane sugar or coconut blossom sugar
- salt, pepper
- If required: garlic
Mix all the ingredients together. Depending on the desired consistency, a little more water can be added.
You can find many more recipes and ideas for using wild herbs in our EWILPA companion book. So you can take what you have learned home with you after your nature vacation.
Workshops and guided tours at EWILPA
The EWILPA not only offers an impressive variety of plants to discover for yourself, but also offers workshops and guided tours. Under the expert guidance of herb educators and wild plant experts, visitors can learn more about recognizing, harvesting and using wild herbs. These workshops are ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the local plant world and receive practical tips on using wild herbs in the kitchen - a valuable experience for any nature vacation. Just ask us at reception.
The seasonal wild herb tours are particularly popular, where participants are guided through the park and can get to know the plants directly on site. These tours offer a wonderful opportunity to see the plants in their natural environment, recognize their typical characteristics and learn how to harvest and process them safely. Such an excursion makes your nature vacation not only relaxing, but also educational.
The importance of wild herbs for a sustainable lifestyle
In times of climate change and resource scarcity, the topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Wild herbs play an important role in this, as they are an environmentally friendly alternative to cultivated plants. They do not require fertilizers or pesticides and generally grow without human intervention. By using wild herbs, the ecological footprint can be reduced and a contribution made to preserving biodiversity.
The EWILPA promotes precisely this awareness and encourages its visitors to appreciate and use the region's natural resources. By eating wild herbs, you can not only enrich your diet, but also help to protect the environment.
Plan your nature vacation with a visit to EWILPA
A visit to EWILPA is an experience for the whole family. Whether as a relaxing excursion into nature, an educational journey of discovery or a culinary adventure - the Edible Wild Plants Park offers added value for everyone. After an inspiring day in the park, you can end the evening in the Hollerhöfe, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature in a cozy atmosphere.
Experience the beauty and diversity of regional wild herbs at EWILPA and be inspired by nature. Plan your nature vacation today and discover the world of edible wild plants - a treat for all the senses!