NSG Unkenpfuhle Marzahn

Hidden within Berlin’s Marzahn district lies the NSG Unkenpfuhle Marzahn. This nature reserve, spanning 3.3 hectares, holds a secret born from an unlikely source: a construction site. In the 1980s, heavy vehicles compacted the loamy soil, creating depressions that filled with water. These accidental ponds, Unkenpfuhle I, II, and III, became a haven for rare and endangered species. NSG Unkenpfuhle Marzahn officially became a protected area on October 25, 2001, with the designation taking effect on February 10, 2002. The reserve’s name, “Unkenpfuhle,” translates to “Fire-bellied Toad Pools.” This amphibian played a key role in the area’s protection, although it’s sadly no longer found here. The reserve is more than just toad pools. It’s a refuge for the Wechselkröte (Green Toad) and Knoblauchkröte (Common Spadefoot). It supports a surprising variety of plant life. 220 fern and flowering plant species have been identified within the protected area, including the Schmalblatt-Hornklee (Narrow-leaved Bird’s-foot Trefoil). A vibrant ecosystem thrives around the pools. Common Hornwort, Water Knotweed, and various pondweeds flourish in the water. Reed and bulrush surround Unkenpfuhle II, while dry grasslands with wild carrot and white clover carpet the areas between the pools. These plants provide sustenance for a diverse insect population, including 34 butterfly species like the Schwalbenschwanz (Swallowtail). NSG Unkenpfuhle Marzahn is a testament to nature’s resilience. It reminds us that even in the midst of urban development, pockets of biodiversity can emerge and flourish, offering a vital sanctuary for vulnerable species. While the reserve is fenced off to protect its inhabitants, its existence offers a quiet reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preservation.