Have you ever heard of a ‘Schlatt’? It is a Lower Saxon term for a heathland pond, a shallow body of water usually fed by surface water and largely unaffected by groundwater. Here in the Hengsterholz, you can see a pair of these very special ponds – Zwei verbundene Schlatts bei Hengsterholz. These two ponds are connected and, at their core, represent more than just a body of water. They are a fascinating example of the delicate ecosystem that exists in this part of the world.
The story of these Schlatts begins in 1981 when the Ganderkesee branch of the Ornithological Working Community of Oldenburg was offered a ‘pasture in the Immer – Hengsterholz area’ for sale. The precursor to today’s NABU local group bought the roughly 2.7-hectare site in 1982. This is how the two Schlatts came into their hands, earning them the name ‘connected Schlatts’ because they were once connected to each other. The Schlatt is a real treasure, a testament to the enduring natural beauty of the region. It is even designated a nature reserve, receiving the title of Nature Monument No. 242 in the district.
The larger of the ponds, the western Schlatt, has an open water surface. It was reclaimed in 1983, revealing the intricate network of life that thrives beneath the surface. The eastern Schlatt drains into the western one, making the two ponds intrinsically linked. The two ponds are fascinating to observe, with their ever-changing water levels and vibrant array of plant and animal life. They are home to the moor frog, a rare species that relies on the unique conditions of these ponds. The ponds are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, providing food and shelter to many species, including the endangered European bitterling.
The Schlatts are not just a testament to the power of nature, but also to the commitment of the NABU local group in preserving it. They have taken upon themselves the responsibility of caring for their fragile habitat, ensuring that these small, but significant ecosystems continue to thrive. They have had to address numerous challenges, including the removal of invasive species and the restoration of the natural water flow. You can see some of the work they have done, the cleared spaces around the ponds, testament to their efforts. Their commitment to the preservation of these Schlatts is a testament to the importance of nature and the human connection to the natural world. They are a valuable resource for researchers studying the unique ecological conditions of the Hengsterholz. Every time you see a Schlatt, an image of the interconnected nature of life pops into your mind. It helps you to visualize the intricate web of life that binds us all.