Question: Ever wondered where urban meets wild in a stunning display of nature’s resilience? Here at the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern, witness a unique sanctuary. It straddles the border between Witten and Herdecke. This remarkable nature reserve spans approximately 85 hectares. It is a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
The Ruhraue Witten-Gedern was established in 1984. It was part of the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis landscape plan. Its name comes from the Gedern settlement to the east. Almost all of the protected area lies within Witten. Only a tiny portion belongs to Herdecke.
Two railway embankments roughly define the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern. The Elberfeld-Dortmund line runs to the east. ICE trains travel this route. Bundesstraße 226 also runs here. The Ruhrtalbahn and Witten-Schwelm railway are to the west. The Ruhrtalradweg accompanies them.
To the west of the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern lie Wengern and Bommern. To the east are Gedern and Haus Mallinckrodt. At the northern tip, find a campsite and the RWE island. Overhead, the Amprion power line crosses the area. Three masts stand within the protected zone.
The Ruhraue Witten-Gedern mainly includes two large floodplain areas. These are the Gederweiden and Ruhrweiden. The Gederweiden lie to the left of the Ruhr. The Ruhrweiden are on the right. The Ruhr River itself, about 850 meters long, is part of the reserve.
The Gederweiden are old agricultural lands. Today, cattle and horses graze there. They are part of the water protection area for the Ruhr-Viadukt waterworks. A long oxbow lake runs along the western edge. This lake is fed by groundwater and streams. The Spiek flows into the Ruhr in the north. The Gederweiden serve as a retention space during floods.
The Ruhrweiden were used for water extraction for decades. Twenty-seven wells line the riverbank. This area is kept open as meadowland.
The Ruhraue Witten-Gedern is a vital resting and breeding site. It is especially important for meadow and water birds. Over one hundred bird species have been identified. Many are endangered, some are on the Red List. Bats, amphibians, and reptiles also inhabit the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern.
The Ruhraue Witten-Gedern aims to preserve diverse habitats. It protects rare plants and animals. It also safeguards the oxbow lake. Its cultural and natural history is significant. The floodplain is rare and beautiful.
No public paths cross the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern. General access is prohibited. Much of the area is fenced or grazed. However, paddlers may pass through. They must keep away from the banks. They should minimize noise. They should respect the wildlife.
To the west, the Ruhrtalradweg offers elevated views. It runs along an old railway embankment. This path provides excellent vantage points. From here, you can observe the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern’s birdlife. Information boards are present at some points. The Berger monument also offers scenic views of the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern.
So, while you cannot wander freely within, the Ruhraue Witten-Gedern offers a unique glimpse into a thriving ecosystem. A place where nature persists despite the surrounding development. It is a testament to conservation. It highlights the importance of preserving these precious habitats for generations to come. Keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot a rare bird or two.