Arson Damages School Project: Benjeshecke School Struck by Firedamage
The tranquility of Grundschule am Pietzmoor was shattered on Ash Wednesday, as an arson attack destroyed the beloved Benjes hedge. This hedge, a refuge for insects, birds, and small animals, had been a cherished feature of the school's garden since the late 1980s.
Built by landscape gardener Hermann Benjes, the hedge was designed to provide wind and visual protection, and over the years, new branches were added as they decayed. It also served as a source of green waste and contributed to the school's biodiversity efforts.
The city, as the school's owner, has filed a complaint against unknown persons regarding the arson. The fire, which occurred during the breeding and nesting season, has caused concern among the children that animals might have perished. Near the fire site, an insect hotel and nest boxes, built to promote biodiversity, were also damaged.
School principal Doris Rensch and the children are shocked and appalled by the deliberate destruction of this nature conservation project. Rensch expressed her frustration, not only at the loss of the hedge but also at the disrespect shown towards the students' work.
The police are investigating the arson and are seeking witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police in Soltau at telephone number (05191) 93800. The city administration plans to remove the remains of the devastated Benjes hedge in the coming days, with the intention of restoring it with the support of the public works department.
Previous cases of vandalism on the school grounds include pulled-out radishes and chives, knocked-over wooden heads, and shards and party remains found in the lower covered school area. However, the city cannot establish a connection between these incidents and the arson of the Benjes hedge.
The Benjes hedge was not only a physical feature of the school but also a symbol of the school's commitment to environmental conservation. Its loss is a significant blow, not just to the school community, but to the local ecosystem as well. The police urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.
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