Unbelievably in just 4 days we were able to save a young Oak forest north of Frankfurt. Though this was a small project, the short time with which we were able to act serves as a very positive sign for future projects. We would like to thank all sponsors who supported us in this venture.

A young Oak forest

The Oak forest is located on an old river bed of the river Main near to Frankfurt. The purchase of a wooded area near a densely populated city is very rare. What is even rarer is to find a forest on the border of a protected natural area.

One of the reasons that we were so happy to be able to make this purchase is that we were thus able to expand the existing nature reserve and protect the Oak forest indefinitely.

The area and its surroundings

It is a small but beautiful area, about 200 square metres in total. It is however strategically important as Naturefund can support the extension of the already protected area.

The future custodian of the site is an organisation called the Hessian Society for Ornithology and Nature Protection (HGON), with the Frankfurt branch managing the area on a day-to-day basis.

A large variety of forest life

When you take a walk  through the forest you can perhaps discover the Bank Vole, which whisks over a forest floor covered in leaves, moss and wild herbs, before disappearing quickly into a nest under fallen elderberry trees.

Many varieties of colourful mushrooms grow on decaying tree trunks, which are covered by moss and lichens. In the early evening, it is also possible to see wild boars searching for food.

Many waterfowl such as wild ducks and coots can be spotted on the lake. Now and then a grey heron might pass by. In Spring and Autumn especially, large flocks of migratory birds stop by and use the meadows and nearby woodlands as a break in their journey.

Project details

Location
The Oak forest is located in Bergen-Enkheim.

Size
185 square metres;

Fauna
The Ground Mouse, Bank Vole, Squirrels and Jay;

Flora
Young Oak trees;

Feature
The forest is located directly on the border of an already protected area called the Enkenheimer Ried. This purchase thus expands the protected area to include the Oak forest and ensures its survival.

Ownership
The custodian of the Oak forest is the Hessian Society for Ornithology and Nature Protection (HGON).