NSG Auen und Haenge an Urft und Gillesbach

Summary

The Urft and Gillesbach Valleys Nature Reserve protects orchid-rich calcareous grasslands, natural beech forests, and flowing waters. It's home to rare bats, bullheads, and brook lampreys. Historical traces like castle remains and a Roman aqueduct enrich the area.

Description

The Urft and Gillesbach Valleys Nature Reserve is a valuable component of the European Natura 2000 network. It preserves a diverse landscape along the Urft and Gillesbach rivers, featuring extensive, orchid-rich dry and semi-dry calcareous grasslands and mountain hay meadows that host a special flora. Natural, herb-rich woodruff and orchid beech forests characterize the slopes, providing unique habitats along with pristine flowing waters and karst caves. These diverse biotopes are essential for numerous rare animal species. The area serves as a vital winter roost for bats such as Bechstein's, Pond, and Greater Mouse-eared bats. Fish species like the European bullhead and brook lamprey also find optimal conditions in the cool, oxygen-rich waters. Beyond these FFH species, endangered animals like the dipper, kingfisher, little owl, and the woodland grayling butterfly thrive here. Furthermore, the area holds geoscientific significance and reveals cultural-historical traces, including remnants of a former castle fortification and an exposed section of a Roman aqueduct.