Ever noticed that small body of water nestled in the Buch area of Berlin? That’s the Moorlinse Buch. It is not just a pond. It is a testament to nature’s resilience.
Moorlinse Buch emerged in the 1990s. It formed when a depression filled with ground and layer water. Old maps from the 18th and 19th centuries show this area as a wet meadow. But agricultural practices dried it out.
Now, the Moorlinse Buch is a haven for wildlife. Ornithologists flock here to watch water birds. Amphibians have also made it their home. The Moorlinse Buch is as vital as the nearby Karower Ponds for endangered species. The Large Fire Butterfly, a highly endangered species, has found refuge here.
In 2015, a viewing platform was built on the southern shore. This was made possible by funds from the Environmental Relief Program. The Naturschutzbund Deutschland erected an information panel there.
The Zick-Zack-Graben drains the Moorlinse Buch after snowmelt or heavy rains. This prevents the nearby road from flooding. In 2009, a weir was built at the beginning of the ditch. This ensures that the Moorlinse Buch never completely drains. The ditch runs southwest from the Moorlinse Buch. It then flows into the “Graben 1 Buch”. This then flows into the Lietzengraben.
The Moorlinse Buch is a deep silting moor. It lies in a meltwater sand area of the Panke catchment area. The moor center has powerful calcareous muds under highly decomposed peat. This area is flooded by rising groundwater. Today, only the reed belt shows moor-typical water levels.
The soil is heavily degraded due to deep trench drainage. The topsoil contains traces of rubble and slag. Elevated levels of heavy metals have been found. Lead, cadmium, and zinc exceed the assessment values of the Berlin List.
The goal is to bind substances through peat growth. This will permanently fix pollutants from previous land use in the soil. The high water levels are vital for avifauna and amphibians. A weir was installed in 2009 to secure these levels.
The NABU has been committed to preserving these habitats for decades. The Moorlinse Buch is an important refuge for various animals. More than 60 breeding bird species were identified here in 2017. The area is also a resting place for migratory birds. Cranes use the Moorlinse as a sleeping place.
Amphibian populations have declined. But species like pond frogs and garlic toads were still detected in 2022. The consistent enforcement of parking bans has helped protect migrating animals. The NABU is fighting for the area to become a nature reserve. This will safeguard this valuable wetland.
As you stand here at the Moorlinse Buch, remember its journey. From a drained meadow to a thriving habitat, it shows us what nature can achieve. It reminds us of our responsibility to protect these precious spaces.