Forty-six hectares of wonder. That’s the NSG Auf dem Brink. Right here before us lies a hidden treasure a haven of biodiversity in the heart of Dortmund.
Established in 1968 the NSG Auf dem Brink is a testament to nature’s resilience. It wasn’t always a protected area. Mining subsidence shaped this landscape creating ponds and swampy grasslands. The Süggelbach stream meanders through it. The land is a patchwork of diverse habitats.
There are wet areas and dry areas slopes and woodland. Rare plants thrive here like the broad-leaved marsh orchid. Imagine a pond surrounded by black alders. Their roots create a mangrove-like structure in the water. Reeds and sedges grow in abundance. Ancient beech and oak woods provide homes to birds and animals who love holes and nests.
This area is vital. It’s a refuge a connector for wildlife in the Ruhr area. The main goal is to preserve this delicate ecosystem. This includes the Süggelbach’s valley system with its unique pond created by mining its reed beds its moist meadows its riverside woods and the precious old forests in the south.
The NSG Auf dem Brink faces challenges. Fertilizer runoff from nearby farmland once caused pollution. Happily farmers now maintain a greater distance from the lake. The battle against encroaching bushes and trees continues. Regular mowing of grasslands helps maintain the delicate balance. The NSG Auf dem Brink is more than just a pretty landscape. It’s a living testament to the power of nature’s ability to reclaim and thrive. A place to celebrate the beauty of biodiversity. A place to remind us of the importance of environmental protection. So let’s cherish this haven in the heart of Dortmund. A place where nature’s beauty unfolds.