Whispers of war echo through the trees. Welcome to the NSG Niederhofer Holz. This vast forest on Dortmund’s southern edge holds secrets. It stretches across 168 hectares. It sits nestled between several districts. Homes in Benninghofen and Loh almost touch its borders. Fields and roads surround the rest. Wellinghofen borders it to the north. Wichlinghofen to the west. Höchsten to the south. Benninghofen and Loh to the east.
The NSG Niederhofer Holz is more than just trees. It’s a piece of history. It was once known as Niederhofener Holz. It belonged to the nearby Niederhofen estate. This 13th-century knight’s seat now serves as a children’s home. Its well-preserved gatehouse is a sight to behold. Built in 1748 it boasts a baroque cupola and double doors.
During World War II a munitions depot stood here. It was blown up after the war. The 20 or so bunker ruins remain overgrown. Shrapnel spread across the area. Most trees are contaminated. This makes logging difficult. The wood is only worth splinter prices. This low value has helped preserve the forest’s natural state. Much of the NSG Niederhofer Holz remains untouched.
The forest itself is a treasure. It’s part of the Nieder-Sauerland natural region. You’ll find natural beech forests. There are also deciduous coniferous and larch forests. The soil is acidic and nutrient-poor. The streams and springs are largely natural. Along the streams beech alder and ash forests thrive. They are more diverse than other areas. Different age groups of trees are scattered across the area. Some areas were replanted after logging. Others were planted in the early 1970s on former farmland. The heart of the forest boasts over 180-year-old beech trees forming magnificent groves. In the east protected holly trees grow. They’re at the eastern edge of their natural range.
The NSG Niederhofer Holz is not just a beautiful place. It’s also incredibly important for the regional ecological network. Its size and varied plant life are essential. It’s a testament to the power of nature. It demonstrates the resilience of life. It shows what can be preserved through unusual circumstances.