Envision stepping into a haven. This is Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg. It is a unique natural sanctuary nestled in Cologne. This 26.61-hectare nature reserve bursts with life. It is home to diverse plants and animals.
Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg has a history. From the late 1950s to about 1980, this area was known as the Diergardt gravel pit. Gravel was extracted here. The operator was supposed to refill the pit after use. But this never happened because of concerns about groundwater contamination. Instead, in 1983, a lease agreement was signed with the German Association for Bird Protection. It is now called Naturschutzbund Deutschland NABU.
After the gravel pit closed nature took over. It became a wetland area. Many rare species found a home here. Conservation efforts helped this development. In 1991, the landscape plan officially designated it a nature reserve.
The area is defined by its gravel pit. The Mutzbach stream runs along its northern edge. There is a former storage area to the south. The gravel pit has steep slopes and a large body of water. Some shoreline areas are gravelly and barren. The southern part of the pit is flat with shallow gravel areas. A woodland of native trees has grown on the slopes since the pit closed.
The Mutzbach stream has been altered. It now benefits from renaturation efforts within the reserve. South of Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg lies a former storage area. Despite being paved it has become a habitat for amphibians and dragonflies. This is thanks to the settling of the ground and natural regeneration. The area was also filled with loose materials like gravel and sand.
The open land south of the storage area is part of the Emberberg dune. It features a unique fauna and flora of sand grasslands. Conservation measures help protect the area. They benefit lizards and endangered grasshoppers.
Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg is a vital resting spot for migrating birds. It also serves as a breeding ground for various waterfowl. You might spot great crested grebes or even kingfishers here.
Look for the Berg-Sandgl\u00f6ckchen. It is a blue bellflower that thrives on nutrient-poor sandy soil. Also, watch for the Zauneidechse. It is a lizard that finds refuge in open land and forest edges.
To protect the sensitive wildlife, access is restricted. Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg is closed to motorized traffic. This makes it safer for amphibians to move between areas. A viewpoint north of Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg offers a glimpse of the former gravel pit’s water.
Today, Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg remains largely untouched. The NABU Cologne maintains open areas. They prevent trees from taking over. This preserves the habitats for many species.
Remember to respect the rules of the nature reserve. This helps protect this precious environment. Avoid entering restricted areas. Refrain from water sports or swimming in the water. By following these guidelines, you play a role in preserving this unique area.
Am Gr\u00fcnen Kuhweg stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. It is a reminder that even a former gravel pit can transform into a haven. It is a valuable place for both wildlife and people.