Could the Große Fenn whisper tales of a bygone era? It is a protected area in Berlin’s Wannsee district. Today, we explore this unique moorland. We will uncover its history and ecological significance.
The Große Fenn is a moorland area. It is a designated nature reserve. It sits within the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district, specifically in the Jagen 60 area of the Düppeler Forst. This special area has been protected since December 5, 1986.
Once upon a time, around 1959, the Große Fenn was first protected. The current regulations came into effect later. This highlights ongoing efforts to preserve this natural treasure.
The Große Fenn spans 6.39 hectares. Its central kettle moor covers 1.9 hectares. This moor formed from a shrinking ice block. It dates back to the end of the last Ice Age. The topsoil features a layer of sand. It is between 8 and 17 centimeters thick. This layer covers peat moss-rich soil. The moor’s water levels are close to the surface.
The moor sits slightly above the Havel river’s floodplain. It is only 1 to 2 meters higher. This translates to 31 to 32 meters above sea level. The Große Fenn is now overgrown with pine trees. This makes managing its water supply difficult. Current conditions prevent controlled water replenishment. Restoring the moor’s water levels would require removing topsoil.
This area faces significant ecological challenges. It is classified as a transitional moor. It features peat moss, cottongrass, and purple moor grass. Some rare species are present. These include cranberry. In the 1990s, round-leaved sundew and narrow-leaved cottongrass were sighted. Sadly, these are no longer commonly seen. Rare species include marsh violet. Others are water navel, and tufted loosestrife. Also, marsh cinquefoil and stiff sedge appear on Berlin’s Red List of endangered plants.
Peat mosses are frequently visible. The dryness of the moor allows pines to grow. Several rare invertebrate species inhabit the Große Fenn. One notable resident is the money spider.
The Große Fenn has suffered from drying out. This has led to pine overgrowth. The trees’ evaporation intensifies water scarcity. This increases soil mineralization. The peat loses its water-retention ability. This makes it vulnerable to degradation. A fire in 1997 further damaged the moor’s vegetation. The water balance remains severely disrupted. The causes are unclear. Management efforts struggle to improve the situation. Still, sporadic removal of new woody plants continues.
The Große Fenn gives us a peek into Berlin’s natural history. It also highlights ongoing conservation challenges. It shows us a landscape shaped by time and ecological change.