Considering a haven for both people and nature. That’s what the Falkenberger Krugwiesen offer us. These Krugwiesen in Berlin-Lichtenberg have a story to tell. It is a story of preservation, recreation and ecological balance.
In 1996, a maintenance and development plan emerged for this landscape conservation area. From 2003 to 2007, compensation funds helped bring this plan to life. But time and climate change brought new challenges to the Falkenberger Krugwiesen. The wet sites, especially, faced progressive succession.
Therefore, a revision of the maintenance and development plan became essential. The goal? To maintain the efficiency of the ecosystem. Also to secure its function as a local recreation area. The landscape of the Falkenberger Krugwiesen needed protection. Measures were developed to maintain recreational value. This considered high usage and existing plans. A catalogue of measures was created. It presented maintenance and planned development actions.
Initial conversion measures are being realised via compensation concepts. Clearing ditches and reopening meadow areas will achieve a landscape-appropriate green space design. This design mirrors the area’s former use as a sewage field.
The Welsekiez neighbourhood borders the Falkenberger Krugwiesen. This wetland boasts over 300 plant species. Paths connect the apartment blocks to this natural space. The Jugendclub Welsekiez stands at Vincent-van-Gogh-Strasse’s end.
The area between Seehausener Strasse and An den Krugwiesen was redesigned. It is now a transition into nature. It offers play and movement, primarily for young people. Spaces of gradually decreasing intensity were created. These transition from sports and play areas to meadows and finally to the protected landscape. Shrubs and trees define these individual spaces.
Two asphalt paths cross the large meadow. They frame the trapezoidal area. Light concrete ribs run across the path. They aim to slow down cyclists. Also they highlight the offers on either side.
An entrance area is next to the Welseclub youth centre. From here, the redesigned area is easily visible. Graffiti and climbing walls with varying difficulty levels were installed. Also a beach volleyball court with a fixed net. Seating areas are scattered throughout. A large rope play equipment resembles an oversized hammock.
An asphalt area with small elevations was built for various roller sports. A playing field has colorful poles. These serve various purposes, such as goals or for hanging slacklines. There is also a play wall and a streetball basket.
The movement options can be expanded. They are framed by newly created meadows and woodlands. The banks of the small pond to the south were flattened. Various other landscaping optimizes the site’s drainage.
The first section was handed over in September 2010. The entire facility was completed in early December 2011.
Ecological enhancement measures began in December 2023. The main goal is to refill the Hohenschönhausener See. This small body of water has been silting up for years. Rainwater from surrounding residential buildings will be channelled into the lake via existing ditches. The old ditch system will be restored naturally. This will guide rainwater through the area. Attractive design elements will be integrated into the green space. This measure aims to retain rainwater in the landscape. It also allows it to seep away decentrally.
Filiz Keküllüoğlu said she is pleased that the care and development plan for the Falkenberger Krugwiesen is being implemented. The Hohenschönhausener See will be restored. A valuable contribution will be made to the protection of small water bodies. A new habitat will be created. Species like the sand lizard and the large fire butterfly will benefit. The Falkenberger Krugwiesen will be upgraded to a diverse green space. This makes it a more attractive recreational area for everyone.
The Hohenschönhausener See is a central part of the Falkenberger Krugwiesen. Its function for flora and fauna must be reactivated permanently. Renaturation is necessary. Shrubs will be removed during the measures. This will increase biodiversity on the southern slope of the Coca-Cola mountain. The protection of rare species will be promoted. Lines of sight will be restored. Invasive plants will be reduced. These measures are derived from the care and development plan for the protected area. The work is carried out in sections over several years.
These measures serve as compensation for the expansion of a 50Hertz substation. The Environmental and Nature Conservation Office Lichtenberg coordinates with 50Hertz. This ensures the work is carried out properly.
The Falkenberger Krugwiesen are not just a landscape. It is a dynamic project. It balances nature conservation with recreational needs. It demonstrates Berlin’s commitment to green spaces.