Listen closely. The Hohe Ward whispers secrets of ancient glaciers and modern anxieties.
The Hohe Ward isn’t just a forest. It’s a geological marvel a sandy ridge left behind by melting glaciers. This elevated landscape forms a green belt south of Muenster. It’s a crucial water source for the city. The Hohe Ward supplies up to a third of Muenster’s drinking water. For over a century the Wasserwerk Hohe Ward has been diligently performing this vital task.
Imagine the Hohe Ward before human intervention. Vast stretches of heathland covered this area. Then in the 19th century this landscape changed. Pine forests replaced the heathland. This transformation was for a purpose. This was an effort to make the most of this sandy land.
But nature has its own plans. The storm Kyrill in 2007 ripped through the pine forests. This created extensive areas of windthrow. It accelerated the transformation of the Hohe Ward. Now the focus is on a diverse mix of deciduous trees.
Today the Hohe Ward is a mixture of habitats. Dry sandy areas support pine forests. The wetter lower areas feature oak and hornbeam woods. Even remnants of the original heathland and sandy grasslands remain. These areas are home to insects like the field cricket and the speckled bush-cricket. These are living reminders of the past.
The Hohe Ward is also a popular recreational area. There are extensive networks of hiking and riding trails. Some areas are restricted though. This is to protect the water supply and delicate ecosystems. It is an important area for the city.
There are many paths through the Hohe Ward. The Naturlehrpfad Hohe Ward offers educational insights. Fifteen information panels line this 13-kilometer trail. You can learn about the fascinating history of the area. The trail also passes Haus Heidhorn the NABU nature conservation station.
Archaeological finds from the sand pits reveal early settlements in the area. These discoveries are in the LWL Museum for Archaeology. The Hohe Ward is much more than simply a forest. It’s a testament to geological history. It is a source of life for the city. It’s a place where nature and human activity intertwine. So explore the Hohe Ward and absorb its unique blend of history nature and importance to Muenster. Remember the stories it holds.