Didn’t you wonder what secrets lie hidden within this seemingly ordinary woodland? You are standing at the edge of the NSG Sanderoth. This nature reserve in Dortmund holds more than meets the eye. It is a story of ecological importance and surprising industrial history.
The NSG Sanderoth spans 23.6 hectares. It sits between Alt-Scharnhorst and Hostedde in Dortmund’s Scharnhorst district. The area was officially designated a nature reserve in 2005. This happened with the first amendment to the Dortmund-Nord landscape plan.
The NSG Sanderoth is more than just a pretty forest. It is a vital habitat. It acts as a stepping stone for wildlife in an urban environment. The area is a haven for biodiversity. The primary goal is to preserve this structurally rich oak mixed forest. This is close to residential areas.
Look around. Notice the mix of trees. The NSG Sanderoth features an oak forest. It is interspersed with hornbeams. You might also spot poplars. Beech and bird cherry trees add to the diversity. The undergrowth is lush. Brambles, wood-rush and nettles thrive here.
Venture into the southern part of the NSG Sanderoth. You will find damp areas. These wetter zones support unique plant life. Goldenrod, forget-me-nots and reeds grow here. Keep an eye out for gypsywort and water mint. You might even see hemp-agrimony.
Now, here is where the story takes an unexpected turn. A seemingly ordinary noise barrier borders the south. This barrier has a very specific purpose. It protects residents from explosions. Yes, explosions. The NSG Sanderoth has a secret. Deep in the Sanderoth forest is a test site for mining explosions. This is where researchers simulate firedamp explosions.
This testing area explains why the NSG Sanderoth remained relatively untouched for years. Access was limited due to the ongoing experiments. Today, hiking and cycling trails wind through the NSG Sanderoth.
Despite its industrial past the area’s focus is now on ecological development. The NSG Sanderoth aims to create an ecological development concept for the surrounding farmland. The NSG Sanderoth showcases nature’s resilience. It also shows how industrial activities can coexist with conservation efforts. As you leave the NSG Sanderoth, consider the layers of history and ecology.