From a former island to a haven for nature lovers Luneplate’s story unfolds before you. Luneplate was once a larger island in the Lower Weser south of Bremerhaven. Imagine it mostly covered in reeds before the 19th century. Then it was drained and used for pastureland. The Luneplate you see today is vastly different. In 1922-1924 its area was expanded by cutting off the Old Weser. This was done to construct the Fischereihafen II. The 1473 hectare area became part of the mainland.
Luneplate’s political landscape has also shifted. Until 2009 a large part belonged to Lower Saxony formerly part of Oldenburg. The northern end however had long been part of Wulsdorf. Since Wulsdorf’s incorporation into Geestemünde it was part of Bremerhaven. Since January 1 2010 Luneplate is entirely part of Bremerhaven. This happened thanks to a state treaty between Lower Saxony and Bremen. Lower Saxony ceded an area of about 14.7 square kilometers.
Originally planned for industrial use Luneplate’s destiny changed. Large-scale industrial settlements planned around 1960 were abandoned. Earlier ideas included a timber harbor and a fishery harbor expansion. The area was reserved for fishing industry and the Kriegsmarine at the beginning of World War II. Only the former northern end saw harbor-related commercial use and the Luneort airfield.
Since 2003-2004 large parts of Luneplate are being re-flooded. This is to serve as an ecological compensation area. The expansion of the Bremerhaven container terminal was the reason. Farming has ceased. Water buffaloes now help maintain the landscape. About 2 square kilometers of commercial areas still remain in the north.
A planned offshore harbor for wind energy is a new chapter for Luneplate. Two potential locations were considered. After objections from nature conservation groups the Bremer Senate chose Blexer Bogen Nord. This location lies northwest of Luneort airfield. It is outside the district but geographically still on the former island.
Luneplate is a significant EU bird sanctuary. It provides a vital resting area for northern geese swans and wading birds. Species such as the Bewick’s swan the pale-bellied Brent goose and the avocet are found here. It is also an important breeding ground. A tidal polder was completed in 2012-2013. In 2015 the 1438 hectare Luneplate nature reserve was officially designated. The Luneplate you see today is a testament to nature’s resilience and the importance of conservation. It’s a place where the past and the future intertwine a reminder of the ever-changing landscape.