Seventy-eighty seven species in just 24 hours. That’s what researchers found in Oberes Ölbachtal.
Welcome to Oberes Ölbachtal. This nature reserve lies in the northeast of Bochum. It is between Gerthe and Kirchharpen. On Dortmund’s side, it connects directly to the Oelbachtal nature reserve.
Oberes Ölbachtal covers about 37 hectares. It features a variety of landscapes. These include open land, woods, and water bodies. The Harpener Bach is central to this area. It is also known as Bövinghauser Bach or Ölbach.
The stream flows partly in concrete half-shells. Plans exist to restore it to a more natural state. Various streams flow into the main one. Some are natural. Others are straightened or channelled.
Reed beds and tall-herb communities are especially valuable here. They serve as important bird breeding areas. You’ll also find deciduous forests. Some temporary ponds were created.
In the Berghofer Holz, there is a pond. It holds water year-round. Swimming is prohibited. This protects the waterfowl.
Oberes Ölbachtal is popular for recreation. Bochum and Dortmund residents visit often. The area faces high visitor pressure. Many unleashed dogs disturb ground-nesting birds.
The Bövinghauser Bachtal was studied in 2007. Researchers identified 787 species of plants, animals, and fungi. Thirty-three of these are on North Rhine-Westphalia’s Red List of endangered species.
The Oelbachtal stream has many names. In its upper reaches, the Langendreerbach joins the Harpener Bach. They form the Oelbach. This flows into the Ruhr. Historically, the Oelbach was called Meeßbach. Other names include Blennebach, Mühlbach, Sprikel, Wiescherbach, Dorfbach, Hevener Bach, and Aulbach. Ahl or Uhl means swamp.
Oberes Ölbachtal boasts diverse vegetation. There are deciduous forests. You will see individual trees and woodland strips. Grassland is bordered by forest edges. Small ponds dot the landscape. Reedbeds line the Oelbach and its tributaries.
More than 40 bird species live and breed here. These include the wren and the hobby. You might spot the dunnock or the pheasant. Keep an eye out for the water rail and whinchat. The grasshopper warbler and cuckoo also live here. Listen for the icterine warbler, chiffchaff, and willow warbler. Look for the great spotted woodpecker.
The damp meadows, ponds, and streams support many amphibians. You can find the alpine newt and smooth newt. The common toad, grass frog, and marsh frog thrive here. The area also provides habitat for slow worms and common lizards. Remarkably, there is a population of pond mussels.
The narrow nature reserve faces challenges. The soil is drying out. Tall-growing plants like nettles are spreading. The area is also under pressure from visitors. This is especially true from dog walkers.
Conservation aims to preserve a habitat with varied moisture levels. Protecting the surrounding habitats is also key. An existing fish pond should be restored to a more natural state. Visitor management should be more ecologically sound. Measures should reduce disturbance to breeding birds.
Consider the delicate balance of nature here. Every step matters. Let’s appreciate and protect this unique area.