“A lake created for nature conservation?” That’s right. Here at Dunger See, we find ourselves at a unique spot. It is a place deliberately designed to protect and nurture the natural world.
Dunger See is located in Bremen’s Burglesum district. It is more than just a lake. It is a haven for various species. This lake’s story began between 1977 and 1979. Sand was extracted to build the planned “Friedhof an der Lesum”. The cemetery was never completed. A golf course now occupies that space.
The resulting Baggersee or excavation lake became Dunger See. The surrounding area was placed under protection. This was to create a natural environment. The Dunger See covers about 16.7 hectares. It holds around 1,345,000 cubic meters of water. The maximum depth is 12 meters with an average depth of 8 meters.
The name “Dunger See” comes from two estates. They were called Grosse and Kleine Dunge. These were located to the east and southeast of the lake. The lake is fed by groundwater. Its water quality is classified as eutrophic. This means it is rich in nutrients.
Designated as a nature reserve on July 18 1990, Dunger See spans approximately 33 hectares. It is listed as number 10 in Bremen’s register of nature reserves. It is also part of the EU’s bird protection area “Werderland”.
The Dunger See has natural features. These include islands and shallow water zones. Also the shoreline has many bays. A wet meadow borders the lake to the east. Trees surround the lake completely. They were planted to minimize disturbances.
Many types of ducks live here. Great crested grebes and swans are also found. The kingfisher is at home here. Cormorants and herons use trees on the north shore as roosts. The Dunger See is a resting and wintering area. Many ducks and geese stay here during the winter months.
The north and west of the nature reserve border a ditch. A field path borders the south. To the east is a small channel. Observation points are located in the north and south. They can be reached via field paths. The southern observation point offers a good view of the majority of the lake.
The Große Dunge area features two adjacent orchards. There is also an overgrown forest. The forest is undergoing natural development. It is being allowed to return to a wild state. The orchards offer places to discover insects.
The Dunger See remains hidden behind bushes. It can only be viewed from a bird watching point. This is maintained by the BUND. It is a hut surrounded by trees. It has a narrow viewing slot at eye level. Patience and binoculars can reward you. You will see various birds. A drainage ditch runs alongside the path. Its banks provide access to water plants and animals.
From here you might spot a grey goose. You could see a teal, garganey, shoveler or pochard. You may even see a mute swan or a great crested grebe. With luck, you may see a little grebe. If lucky you can observe a bluethroat.