Möschelberg bei Lissendorf

Summary

The Möschelberg nature reserve near Lissendorf is located in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, on the south-western edge of the Dollendorf limestone syncline.

Description

Together with the neighbouring Burgberg, the area forms the south-western end of a series of limestone hilltops. The parent rock is dolomite from the Givet stage of the Middle Devonian. The hilltop stands out clearly from the surrounding, already eroded layers due to its weather-resistant dolomite rocks. The soils range from shallow rendzines on the slopes to base-rich brown earths at the foot of the slopes. The Möschelberg is characterised by semi-dry grassland (calcareous grassland), bushes and individual copses. Historically, the area was converted into an open hut through clearing and centuries of extensive pasture utilisation. This utilisation led to the formation of species-rich nutrient-poor grasslands, in particular Gentiano-Koelerietum, with numerous thermophilic and Mediterranean plant species. In some places, terraces from earlier arable farming are still visible, but are now covered with grassland vegetation again