“Listen” whispers the wind through the trees. Today we explore the captivating NSG Wannebachtal. This nature reserve offers a unique glimpse into Dortmund’s diverse ecosystems. The NSG Wannebachtal-Buchholz spans over 100 hectares. It became legally protected in 2020, though parts were already protected in 2005.
The NSG Wannebachtal is a tapestry of biotopes. Imagine sandstone quarries with imposing rock faces. Picture acidic oak and beech forests. Envision the Wannebach’s natural floodplain. This area showcases Dortmund’s ecological richness.
As you wander through the NSG Wannebachtal, notice the diverse plant life. Small bodies of water dot the landscape. Relict lean grasslands cling to the slopes. These features contribute to the area’s floral diversity.
Keep an eye out for rare amphibians. The thread salamander and midwife toad call this place home. These species are rarities in Dortmund. The NSG Wannebachtal truly protects unique inhabitants.
The Wannebach flows naturally through the area. Its shallow, meandering course shapes the landscape. The stream is mostly free of trees. Alder trees line its banks in the west creating a gallery effect.
Sheep graze in the wet lowlands. This extensive grazing prevents overgrowth. It helps preserve valuable wet grasslands. It also maintains reed beds and tall herb fringes. These habitats support rare grasshopper species. Look for the mottled grasshopper. Listen for the short-winged sword grasshopper. Observe the marsh grasshopper.
The slopes rising southwards are part of “Auf dem Buchholz.” This area features varied forest habitats. Acidic beech and sessile oak forests dominate. Pioneer birch forests also thrive here. You will also find stands of pine, Japanese larch, Douglas fir, and red oak.
Dead spruces stand as monuments to drier years. They provide valuable deadwood habitats. These areas enrich the NSG Wannebachtal.
The abandoned sandstone quarries are special biotopes. Towering rock faces define these unique areas. These quarries are listed in North Rhine-Westphalia’s Geotope Cadastre. They are recognized as valuable geological sites. The midwife toad finds a suitable habitat here. The eagle owl also makes its home in the NSG Wannebachtal.
Outside the protected area, a working sandstone quarry exists. This quarry is also considered a valuable habitat. The NSG Wannebachtal continues north of the Wannestraße. The Wannebach flows naturally as a forest stream. Alder trees line its banks. Small spring pots with opposite-leaved golden saxifrage thrive south of the A45.
Northeast of the A45, the NSG includes a complex of habitats. Forests, grasslands, and small water bodies create a rich mosaic. These small water bodies are breeding grounds for amphibians. Annual maintenance by the city of Dortmund preserves a species-rich, lean wet meadow.
The NSG Wannebachtal offers valuable habitats for reptiles. Slow worms and wall lizards are regularly observed here. There is also evidence of grass snakes. This remarkable area protects a wide range of species.
As we conclude our tour, remember the NSG Wannebachtal’s importance. It protects biodiversity and provides a haven for rare species. The NSG Wannebachtal showcases the beauty and ecological value of Dortmund’s natural landscapes.