Imagine stepping into a realm where nature’s artistry and historical echoes intertwine. This is Moore in der Palinger Heide. It is a protected area that whispers tales of bygone eras.
Moore in der Palinger Heide is a part of the larger landscape conservation area. This area is known as Palinger Heide und Halbinsel Teschow. It’s more than just a pretty place. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of history and ecology.
The Palinger Heide itself forms the main part of the area. It lies between Palingen and the state border. You will notice the sandy soil. These are the fine-grained basin sands of the Lubeck basin. This has led to inland dunes, many now wooded.
Waterlogged lowlands contribute to the unique landscape. These areas feature lowland moor peat formed after the Ice Age. This creates a mosaic of wet and dry habitats, perfect for diverse plant life. You can spot dry and semi-dry grasslands. Some areas boast extensive heather. These heaths are dominated by Calluna, also known as heather.
Several moors dot the landscape. These include Movenmoor, Hoppenmoor, Petrusmoor, Kiebitzmoor, and Steinbeckenmoor. Water bodies are also important features. The Palinger Bach flows with near-natural sections. Other waters include the Selmsdorfer Graben and the Große Teich. You will also see the Lauener Seen, the Grotendiek near Teschow, and various moorland pools.
Centuries ago, this area looked quite different. In 1789, the area was completely deforested due to intense clearing in the 18th century. The 19th century brought reforestation efforts. People also started extracting peat. This led to the creation of peat pits, sheds, and worker settlements.
The military also left its mark. Lubeck’s Infantry Regiment used the Palinger Heide as a training ground. It also served as a recreational area for Lubeck residents. In 1915, a fire ravaged the area. It consumed a square kilometer of forest and heathland.
Even before World War I, people recognized the need to protect this unique area. Lubeck ornithologist Werner Hagen advocated for its preservation. During the interwar period, a plan threatened the Heide. The plan was to use it as a sewage field for Lubeck. Fortunately, this plan never materialized.
During the 1930s, Lubeck tried to acquire the area. However, World War II changed everything. The inner German border cut off access from the west. The Palinger Heide, once largely open, was reforested in 1960. Today, most of it is wooded.
The border also brought changes to the landscape. Border troops modified parts of the area for security purposes. They created a patrol road. The Palinger Bach was diverted eastward. It now flows into the Lüdersdorfer Graben. Despite these changes, nature thrived in the secluded border area.
Today, the Moore in der Palinger Heide is a protected area. It is part of the larger FFH area. This area aims to protect nutrient-poor moors, dystrophic waters, and moor forests. It also supports the great dragonfly.
On the Lubeck side, you’ll find similar protected areas. These include the moor forests at Wesloer Moor. The Herrnburger Landgraben features secondary moor forests, acidic oak forests, and alder swamp forests.
As you explore Moore in der Palinger Heide, consider its layered history. From military training grounds to a haven for unique flora and fauna. This landscape tells a compelling story of change and resilience.