Bleichheim is nestled in an intact and small-scale landscape with orchards, meadows, and wetlands at the gateway to the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. Since 1974, Bleichheim has been one of five districts of the city of Herbolzheim, but it has its own local council and a village head. Bleichheim impresses with its compact settlement structure. The last building land expansion took place in 1986. Since then, the focus has been put on inner development. The residents of Bleichheim have recognized nature, people, and the strong community as their most valuable resources. All generations have their place in the vibrant village community, which is characterized primarily by social, sports, and cultural engagement.
The interaction between the local council and the village head, the city council of Herbolzheim, the mayor, and the district administration is marked by exemplary dialogue. The mayor, in office since 2017, sees himself as a companion and moderator. The population is encouraged to participate in various issues. Together, solutions are sought and actively implemented. The local council maintains a format called “Speech Time,“ an informal and relaxed dialogue format in which the residents of Bleichheim are regularly heard.
Clubs are an important pillar for the intergenerational community in Bleichheim. The specially established “Bleichheim Club Community“ is an interest group consisting of the sixteen large and small clubs and groups in the village, as well as the local fire department. The resident-initiated group “Encounters at the Town Hall“ organizes intergenerational activities once a month, such as a communal lunch at the town hall or the annual “Dinner en Blanc“.
Bleichheim is a good example of what a small village community can achieve when there is a willingness and desire to shape one‘s living environment and all forces are united for common goals. In Bleichheim, people stand together, respond quickly to change, and are always solution-oriented – true to the motto: “In Bleichheim, the future stays in the village.“
Bleichheim is one of six model villages in Baden-Württemberg where the “Young Living“ project was implemented , aiming to realize innovative and flexible housing forms to retain young people with their start-up mentality and high awareness of future issues in rural areas.
Although a former stable has long been used by the altar servers as a youth house and the barn for events on the heritage-protected parsonage area, many rooms remained vacant, making it an ideal location for this project. From the outset, the target group of 18- to 35-year-olds was involved in the project using creative, participatory, and consensus-oriented methods to develop a forward-looking and needs-based housing model: Small, partially barrier-free residential units are being created in the parsonage itself, the barn is being converted into a communal space for residents as well as the village community, and car-sharing and other community-shared offerings like a workshop or cargo bike will complement the project. The courtyard will continue to be available for events hosted by the village and church community.
The exemplary cooperation between the church as the owner and the municipality as the project initiator was of central importance. In addition to young residents of Bleichheim, apprentices and young employees of local businesses were also identified as potential tenants. The “Young Living“ project is an investment in the future that benefits all parties.
The approximately 400-hectare municipal forest is a defining feature of Bleichheim‘s landscape. As a member of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park, great importance is placed on climate-resilient management and economically sustainable use. The harvested wood is processed by regional sawmills and used by regional craft businesses. Usage conflicts are avoided by designating separate biking and hiking trails, and gentle, nature-friendly tourism is promoted.
At the heart of the Bleichheim forest is a large clearing where the former forester‘s house with a barn has been preserved and converted into the center of a special educational offering: The “Waldwerk Höfle“, combines elements of experiential and forest education, including content about forestry, nature conservation, and ecology under the motto “Learning by Experience“.
A key task of the Waldwerk is to strengthen the imagination and creativity of children, young people, people with disabilities, and other interested individuals through intensive and fascinating encounters with nature, to open up valuable spaces for discovery and experience, and to stimulate physical awareness and intellect. It also aims to establish a positive relationship with nature and the environment, thereby raising awareness of the need for its protection. Visitors learn through play, solve tasks together, and receive rewards for environmentally responsible behavior. Finally, professions in the forestry sector are also presented to ensure interest in pursuing them in the future.
Evaluated: 2024
