Could you believe that the NSG Dorneywald holds secrets beneath its leafy canopy? This nature reserve is more than just a green space. It is a place where history and nature intertwine.
The NSG Dorneywald is located in Dortmund’s Lütgendortmund district. It borders Witten and covers about 40 hectares. Established in 2005, the NSG Dorneywald protects a unique environment.
This area features an old mixed deciduous forest. The forest is rich in old growth and deadwood. These elements create a haven for various species. The NSG Dorneywald’s soil is unique too. It grows on a marl layer that is rare in Dortmund. Farmers once used this marl as fertilizer. This special soil supports a lime beech forest.
Plants like lungwort, arum, and wood anemone thrive here. Large patches of wild garlic also flourish. Damp areas host alder, ash, and pedunculate oak trees. Hornbeam, birch, and poplar trees are also present. Elder, hawthorn, bird cherry, snowball, and spindle form the undergrowth.
The NSG Dorneywald is home to around 50 bird species. Green woodpeckers, stock doves, and lesser spotted woodpeckers reside here. You can also spot blue tits, nuthatches, and great spotted woodpeckers. Blackbirds, blackcaps, song thrushes, starlings, and wrens inhabit the forest too. The NSG Dorneywald offers a rich habitat for diverse wildlife.
The Dorneywald has faced challenges as a popular recreational area. High visitor numbers and many dogs can impact the environment. Also a sports field sits right in the middle of the forest. Conservation efforts focus on protecting old growth and deadwood. Restrictions on recreational activities aim to minimize disturbance. Cleaning up litter is also a priority.
The Dorneywald has a rich past. In 1380, it was divided into communal land. Farmers used the forest for timber and grazing. Coal was discovered around 1670. During the 19th century, exposed coal seams were mined. The removed marl was collected in a marl pit. This pit later became a venue for open-air performances.
In 1938/39, a war memorial was erected at the Dorney’s entrance. It honored soldiers from World War I. In 1935, the marl pit was transformed into a sports field. After World War II, it served as a Roma internment camp until 1946. Later, sports clubs used it for games and training. A floodlight system was installed in 1982.
Since the late 1990s, a mountain bike course has been added. A park-like recreational area known as Dorneypark was also created. Fields on the eastern edge were reforested, expanding the NSG Dorneywald. In 2008, heavy rainfall caused flooding in nearby areas. This led to the construction of rainwater retention basins and drainage systems.
Every May, wild garlic blankets the western part of the forest. Its strong garlic scent fills the air. In 2021, a wildflower meadow delighted residents near the memorial. Despite a mowing setback, nature is reclaiming the area. The rainwater retention system has proven effective during heavy rain.
The NSG Dorneywald stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. It shows the importance of conservation. Take a moment to appreciate the unique beauty and history around you. This forest is a treasure. Let’s work together to protect it.