Is it possible that the quiet rustling of leaves can tell a story? Here in the NSG Erlensundern it truly can. This nature reserve is small but significant. It shows how vital even pockets of wilderness are. Welcome to the NSG Erlensundern.
The NSG Erlensundern is a designated Naturschutzgebiet. That is a nature reserve. It has been legally protected since 2020. This designation under section 23 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. It aims to preserve and develop habitats. These habitats are for endangered species.
The NSG Erlensundern spans just over 14 hectares. It lies in the northeast of Dortmund. This area features diverse deciduous woodland habitats. These habitats host various plant and animal species. The protection of these habitats is of utmost importance.
Imagine walking through the NSG Erlensundern. You are surrounded by different stands of trees. Some are quite old. Stiel-Eichen or pedunculate oaks tower above. Hainbuchen or hornbeams fill in the understory. These trees are impressive. Some are between 130 and 155 years old.
But the NSG Erlensundern is not only old growth forest. There are younger sections too. About 20 years ago, people planted Hainbuche, Rot-Buche or red beech. They also planted Stiel-Eiche on former grassland and farmland. These new trees provide a glimpse of the future forest.
Walking further, notice the ground beneath your feet. The soil here is often wet. This staunassen Gley-Pseudogley supports the Laubwälder. The woodlands consist mainly of Stiel-Eichen and Hainbuchen. Rot-Buche, Gewöhnliche Esche or common ash, and Europäische Lärche or European larch are also present.
The plant life here is diverse. Look for Geflecktes Lungenkraut or spotted lungwort. Also keep an eye out for Echte Goldnessel or yellow archangel. Wald-Ziest or hedge woundwort also grows here.
The NSG Erlensundern also has open areas. Two Mähwiesen or meadows lie in the south. These are intensively farmed and not very diverse. However, in the north, there’s a Grünlandeinsaat. That is a grassland seeding. It supports diverse Glatthaferwiesen or meadow oat grasslands. This area is rich with flowering plants.
A Gewässer or body of water was created in 2008. This provides a spawning habitat. Grasfrösche or common frogs, Erdkröten or European toads, Grünfrösche or green frogs, Bergmolche or alpine newts, and Teichmolche or smooth newts all live here.
Unfortunately, the NSG Erlensundern faces some challenges. Garden waste is dumped near the southern edges. Invasive species like Japanischer Staudenknöterich or Japanese knotweed also pose a threat.
Despite these challenges, the NSG Erlensundern is a vital area. It connects to the Kurler Busch nature reserve to the south. It provides a corridor for many plants and animals.
Remember the NSG Erlensundern. It is more than just a collection of trees and meadows. It’s a haven for life. It is a place of history. It is a testament to the importance of conservation. As you leave, carry with you a renewed appreciation. Value the quiet corners of our world.