Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack

Gazing across Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack, can you envision a time before the Seevesperrwerk? Before 1965, the tides of the Elbe rhythmically pulsed through this landscape, shaping its unique character. Today, the Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack stands as a testament to nature’s resilience, a vibrant tapestry woven from lush meadows, meandering waterways, and shimmering lakes. Established as a nature reserve in 1993, Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack initially encompassed around 494 hectares. In 2021, it expanded to include the Over Plack area and surrounding sections, growing to approximately 567 hectares. This haven, just east of Maschen in the Elbmarsch, thrives despite being separated from the Elbe’s floods by a protective dike. The construction of the Maschen marshalling yard in the 1970s significantly altered the southern part of Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack. Sand extraction led to the loss of vast wetland areas. However, from this disruption emerged two new features: the Junkernfeldsee and the Steller See. Today, they glimmer like jewels within the landscape. The heart of Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack lies in its extensive grasslands. These are frequently damp meadows crisscrossed by a network of ditches. Hecken and other woody structures punctuate the landscape. To the northwest, in the Over Plack area, more grasslands stretch out, completing the mosaic. These vital grasslands are predominantly managed through extensive agricultural practices. The Seeve River winds its way through Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack. It’s joined by the Ashauser Mühlengraben (also known as Ashauser Mühlenbach), which flows into the Seeve within the reserve’s boundaries. The Kohlenbach, a tributary of the Ashauser Mühlengraben, also threads through this protected area. The two lakes, Junkernfeldsee and Steller See, are largely fringed by trees and shrubs. Another body of water, the Bürgermeisterbrack, graces the north of Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack. The Junkernfeld area is particularly noteworthy. Its 130 hectares hold one of Germany’s largest populations of snake’s head fritillary, a delicate checkerboard-patterned flower. This rare bloom transforms the meadows into a breathtaking spectacle in spring. Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack also supports a diverse bird population, especially meadow birds. You might spot white storks, marsh harriers, red kites, or hear the distinctive call of the corn crake. Look out for the vibrant flash of a kingfisher, for whom a nesting wall has been thoughtfully provided on the western bank of Steller See. Untere Seeveniederung und Over Plack is more than a nature reserve; it’s a story of resilience and transformation.