NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder

Hidden away on Berlin’s northeastern edge lies the NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder. This nature reserve holds a secret history. It whispers tales of Berlin’s past. The NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder wasn’t always a haven for wildlife. In the late 19th century, it served a very different purpose. City planner James Hobrecht designed these fields as part of Berlin’s sewage system. Wastewater flowed here. It was purified through a natural filtration process in the sandy soil. The resulting sludge, rich in nutrients, became valuable fertilizer. The once barren land transformed into fertile fields for crops. This ingenious system supported Berlin’s growth for decades. However, by the mid-20th century, increasing pollution rendered the system obsolete. A wastewater treatment plant replaced the Rieselfelder in 1968. The land lay fallow, slowly returning to nature. In 1995, the Falkenberger Rieselfelder gained new life as a designated nature reserve. Today, the NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder covers 88.1 hectares. It’s a testament to nature’s resilience. Remnants of its past remain. You can still see traces of irrigation channels, basins, and hedges. The area is a sanctuary for diverse species. Nine of Berlin’s twelve amphibian species call this place home. The presence of the crested newt and the fire-bellied toad earned the NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder a spot in the EU’s Natura 2000 network. Look closely, and you might spot toads, frogs, and perhaps even a diving red-necked grebe or greylag geese. The skies above are alive with the songs of skylarks, buntings, and whinchats. A herd of Heck cattle grazes peacefully. They play a vital role in maintaining the open grasslands. They prevent overgrowth and preserve the habitat for other species. The NSG Falkenberger Rieselfelder stands as a reminder of Berlin’s ingenuity. It also showcases the power of nature to reclaim and renew.