Tongrube Witterschlick

Can you imagine a place where industry and nature intertwine? Here at the Tongrube Witterschlick, that’s exactly what you’ll find. The Tongrube Witterschlick, a former clay pit, has been transformed into a nature reserve. It’s a testament to nature’s ability to reclaim and rejuvenate. The Tongrube Witterschlick is located in Witterschlick, a district of Alfter near Bonn. The discovery of clay in 1880 by the Braun brothers led to industrialization in Witterschlick. The Servais-Werke, a major industrial operation and tile manufacturer, became a dominant presence in the area from 1890 onwards. This industrial activity created the Tongrube Witterschlick. Over time, however, the pit was abandoned. Today, it’s a haven for diverse plant and animal communities. The Tongrube Witterschlick lies west of Landesstraße 113 and borders a sports field. The pit itself is characterized by relatively shallow slopes covered in dense thickets. You’ll find willow, birch, aspen, and ash trees thriving along the slopes. Beyond the thickets, primarily in the northern part of the Tongrube Witterschlick, lie damp greenland fallows. A prominent feature of the Tongrube Witterschlick is a 4,000 square meter pond. The south side of the pond boasts a well-developed tree and shrub edge. An expansive silting area also characterizes the pond. Between the pond and the sports field, you’ll discover more willow thickets and smaller greenland fallows. The Tongrube Witterschlick offers a remarkable example of how industry and nature can coexist. It’s a unique landscape where the echoes of industrial activity are gradually fading, replaced by the vibrant pulse of a thriving ecosystem. The Tongrube Witterschlick is now a designated protected area, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.