NSG Bergwiesen bei Altastenberg

Summary

The Bergwiesen bei Altastenberg nature reserve protects species-rich mountain meadows of the Winterberg plateau. It's a habitat for rare plants like arnica and a breeding ground for the meadow pipit, also featuring wet pastures and beech forests.

Description

The Bergwiesen bei Altastenberg form an important nature reserve and are part of the European Natura 2000 network. This area protects species-rich, montane grasslands, including mountain hay meadows with rare flora like arnica, and provides a crucial habitat for the meadow pipit. Valuable Alopecurus and Silaum meadows also contribute to the area's biodiversity. The reserve further encompasses near-natural watercourses, species-rich Nardus grasslands, dry heaths, and Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests. These diverse habitats offer a vital refuge for numerous animal and plant species, including the common snipe, which relies on the spring-fed wet pastures. Traditional grassland management plays a significant role in preserving this coherent cultural landscape complex and the unique character of the Winterberg plateau.