Isn’t it fascinating how a landscape can transform? The NSG Beerenbruch tells a story of change. It speaks of nature reclaiming what industry left behind.
The NSG Beerenbruch lies on the border of Dortmund and Castrop-Rauxel. This protected area spans both cities. Dortmund holds 22.7 hectares of it. Castrop-Rauxel claims 61.85 hectares.
Imagine this: Around 1950, mining activities caused the land to sink. This created the Brunosee. The Brunosee is now a central feature of the NSG Beerenbruch.
In 1987, Dortmund took the first step. They provisionally protected their portion. Castrop-Rauxel followed in 1995. By 1999, both cities officially protected the NSG Beerenbruch indefinitely.
The Brunosee is vital to the NSG Beerenbruch. Many waterfowl nest here. Look for the little grebe, the teal, and the shoveler. Reed beds line the lake. These provide homes for reed warblers and reed buntings.
Old forests surround the Brunosee. Some trees are 110 to 190 years old. The Brunosee is bordered by a railway embankment to the south. Beyond this, grasslands stretch. Some areas are wet and overgrown with bushes.
The NSG Beerenbruch is home to endangered birds. The southern forest features a dense thicket of holly. This creates a safe haven for sensitive animals. Keep an eye out for stock doves, green woodpeckers, and bats. Many waterfowl live directly on the lake.
In the northern part of the NSG Beerenbruch, you find mostly deciduous forest. Beeches, hornbeams, and oaks dominate here. A road divides this section. It runs between Deininghausen and Ickern. An east-west railway line also cuts through. Look closely. Some bomb craters remain. They are filled with water but lack plant life due to shade.
Protecting this area requires care. Visitors must use it responsibly. Trampling damages the delicate shores of the Brunosee. Feeding the waterfowl harms the water quality. A dam once separated part of the lake. It has been removed to improve the ecosystem. An observation platform allows visitors to view the NSG Beerenbruch.
The primary goal is to preserve this diverse landscape. Reed beds, bushes, wet meadows, and forests all thrive here. The NSG Beerenbruch ensures nature and people coexist. This protects the habitat for endangered species.
So, as you explore the NSG Beerenbruch, remember its history. This land reminds us of nature’s resilience. It is a haven for wildlife. It also offers a peaceful retreat for us all.