NSG Alte Körne

Hidden within Dortmund’s northeastern embrace, the NSG Alte Körne nature reserve whispers tales of resilience and transformation. The NSG Alte Körne spans 125.7 hectares. It’s a sanctuary where nature has adapted to the scars of industry, a testament to the enduring power of the natural world. The NSG Alte Körne takes its name from the Alte Körne stream, a tributary of the Körnebach. Once a vital waterway, the Alte Körne was transformed into a wastewater channel in 1926. It served as a conduit for the mining and residential waste of the surrounding areas, a stark reminder of human impact on the environment. However, through extensive renaturation efforts, the Körnebach was restored to a clean watercourse in 2006. This restoration marked a turning point for the NSG Alte Körne, a symbol of hope amidst the industrial landscape. The NSG Alte Körne is a mosaic of diverse habitats. The construction of the Körnebach led to the drying of the Alte Körne and the creation of an artificial watershed. This watershed diverts surface water westward from the southeastern corner of Scharnhorst into a pumping station. Only the eastern flow continues to nourish the Alte Körne. It meanders through alder forests, a testament to nature’s ability to reclaim its territory. Mining subsidence has further shaped the landscape, creating ponds and pools within the alder forests. These still waters, alongside the flowing Alte Körne, define the character of the NSG Alte Körne. Sedges and tall herbaceous reeds fringe the water’s edge. Surrounding this wetland haven are agricultural fields. Some are intensively farmed, while others lie fallow, interspersed with hedgerows and field copses. To the north and south, mature deciduous forests stand tall, dominated by oaks, hornbeams, and occasional beeches, transitioning into fluttering grass meadows. Stands of poplars also dot the landscape. The NSG Alte Körne is more than just a nature reserve. It’s a vital link in a network of protected areas, including Buschei, Lanstroper See, and Kurler Busch. The goal is not just preservation but also the development of near-natural, old-growth, and deadwood-rich mixed deciduous forests, interwoven with extensively used grassland, open spaces, and fallow land. The NSG Alte Körne stands as a testament to nature’s resilience in the face of industrial change. It is a haven for biodiversity, a reminder of the importance of conservation, and a symbol of hope for the future.