A haven for rare insects. That’s the Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim. This isn’t just any gravel pit. It’s a vital nature reserve. Designated in 1991 it protects a unique ecosystem.
The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim boasts a remarkable biodiversity. It’s a secondary habitat. It evolved from a former dry excavation site. Now it’s a crucial replacement for the region’s lost inland dunes and windblown sands.
The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim is special. Unlike many similar areas it lacks fish. This absence of a major predator is key. It positively impacts the local wildlife. Studies show a higher number of individuals and species compared to nearby fish-filled waters. Rare species thrive here. Three red-listed digger wasp species call it home. They are characteristic of inland dunes and windblown sands. The area also supports diverse bee and wasp populations. Forty percent of the stinging insect species are wild bees. Anthophora bimaculata a specialist of dunes and windblown sands is found in only five locations in Baden-Württemberg. The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim is one.
The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim offers diverse habitats. From extremely dry to damp areas. These support different stages of ecological succession. The gravel pit floor features a feather grass lawn. It supports threatened species like Vulpia bromoides Vulpia myuros Arva carophyllea and felt herb species. Wet zones are home to broadleaf cattails common reeds and floating pondweed. The slopes have a mix of open raw soil patches. Shrubbing sections and other lean and dry locations such as smooth oat stands also exist.
The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim’s early designation as a nature reserve was foresightful. It prevents alternative uses. Protecting this area ensures species and habitat conservation. The ongoing wet excavation further enhances this process. Landscaping plans ensure optimal integration of different habitats.
The Kiesgrube am Hardtwald Durmersheim stands as a testament to successful conservation. It’s a reminder that even human-altered landscapes can become vibrant havens for biodiversity. Its story is a lesson in environmental stewardship and the enduring resilience of nature.