Marshland in North Hesse
Marshland and pond
Photo: Naturefund
Marshland history
The marshland is located near to a large and rare swamp between the regions of Hesse and Thuringia. It lay untouched for a long time due to its location on the border of the former German Democratic Republic, or East Germany.
In the early 1980s, pine trees were planted in the area but the land was too wet and soft for them to grow properly. Nowadays, indigenous marshland trees and vegetation are gradually taking over the area again.
230 bird species to see
Since 2005, the marshland and ponds have been protected as a conservation area. As time goes on, more and more rare species of animals and plants are returning to the marshland.
Out of 430 European bird species, up to 230 can be found in this area throughout the year.
Grey Herons nesting
Even when the marshland was privately owned, it was still an increasingly important sanctuary for many birds. It plays host to one of the largest colonies of Grey Herons in Hesse. Approximately 50 breeding couples are raising their broods here.
Protecting forests
In order to protect the wood and marshland so that it can develop undisturbed, Naturefund purchased this area with the help of many sponsors.
The local NABU group in Wildeck-Obersuhl will become the owner of the land and will manage and protect the area in the long-term.
Project details
Location
The marshland is located in North Hesse on the border with Thuringia.
Size
92,004 square metres
Fauna
Grey Heron, Black Stork, Great Crested Grebe, Fire Salamander, Common Frog;
Flora
Alder, Oak, Scheuchzeria, Aconite, Menyanthes, Common Water-plantain, Mimulus, Filipendula, Typha, Iris, Globe-flower;
Feature
The forest provides a retreat habitat for many species, in particular for many types of bird.
Ownership
The local NABU group in Wildeck-Obersuhl is now the owner of the land and will manage and protect the area in the long-term.
