BAD GODESBERG. The Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (HBRS) will not be setting up a site in Bad Godesberg - the plan to locate part of the HBRS on Kurfürstliche Zeile is on hold for the time being. Although the NRW state government is supporting the establishment of the new cyber security course, it will be launched at the university's existing locations rather than in Bad Godesberg. For the pilot phase of the course up to the end of 2023, a total of six million euros will be provided to the HBRS and also to the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, where a similar course will also be on offer.

The Ministry of Science announced on Friday that both universities intend to set up to five additional professorships and 250 study places each, with continuous interaction between them. The cyber security study programme at the HBRS will focus on IT forensics and malware analysis. At the Niederrhein the course concentrates on risk analysis, among other things.

(Original text: Ayla Jacob)

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BONN. The city council has recently planted around 30 new cherry trees in the Altstadt. Many of the old trees were suffering from rot or infestation and had to be cut down last year. The city council commissions an external company for such planting campaigns. For the first four years, the company takes over the entire care of the trees, including watering. If a tree dies during this period, the company is contractually obliged to replace it.

The new cherry trees can be recognised not only by their size, but also by a white or yellow protective coating on the trunk and a supportive wooden frame around them. Even though the trees look similar, they are different varieties. For example, in Breitestraße and Heerstraße there are only the Japanese, pink flowering carnation cherry trees. It will be about ten years before the cherry trees show their full splendour.

The first cherry trees were planted in the Altstadt at the end of the 1980s as part of a district redevelopment project and have since reached a considerable size. Felling the trees is a normal occurrence as ornamental cherry trees are a relatively short-lived tree species and street trees also have comparatively difficult site conditions. The trees are now gradually reaching the end of their lives. New felling is not planned for this year, although the trees may be affected by another summer of extended heat and drought.

The Bonn cherry blossom attracts thousands of visitors every year in April. However, the huge crowds create difficulties for local residents as well as traffic problems due to visitors blocking the roads to take pictures.

(Original text: Nicolas Ottersbach)

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BONN. The Dicker-Pulli-Tag (thick jumper day) on Friday in Bonn saw educational institutions, offices and private households turn down the heating by at least one degree. The campaign was initiated by Corinna Nitsche Hainer from Bonn and is intended to set an example for climate and environmental protection. All participating institutions were called upon to turn down their heating by one or two degrees. The Federal Office for Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Military Services were among the participants, with 1360 employees in 23 buildings at the headquarters on the Hardthöhe. Practical tips on correct heating and ventilation were also provided to the employees, although participation in the campaign was voluntary. Erhard Spath, head of the environmental protection group, calculated that reducing the heating by just one degree in a 100m² would save around 250 kg of CO₂.

Many schools, childcare centres, clubs and companies also took part in the campaign. Bonn’s mayor Ashok Sridharan visited the Gottfried Kinkel Primary School as sponsor, where he took part in discussions with pupils about climate protection and heating energy. An information event was held in the foyer of the Stadthaus, advising visitors about a variety of aspects of climate-friendly living.

(Original text: Niklas Schröder)

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KÖNIGSWINTER/COLOGNE. The German Weather Service warns of strong gusts of wind up to gale force winds on Sunday. Drachenburg castle and park will remain closed for safety reasons on Sunday 9^th February and Monday 10^th February. On Sunday, this applies to the daytime opening from midday to 5pm as well as to the castle lights from 6pm to 10pm. The stormy weather may also affect Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral administration announced that barriers will be erected on Sunday for safety reasons. Access to the cathedral, the cathedral treasury and the ascent of the tower could also be affected. Church services would then have to be cancelled. The cathedral administration will provide further up-to-date information on its website.

On Sunday it will additionally be very mild at 11 to 15 degrees, but often wet. The new week may also start stormy, and in the mountains it could also snow.

(Original text: GA)

(Translations: Caroline Kusch)