NSG Buergewald Steinheide

Summary

NSG Buergewald Steinheide is a valuable remnant of the historic Bürgewald. It protects diverse plant and animal communities, including Pedunculate oak-hornbeam forest, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, and European Honey Buzzard, vital for endangered species and scientific study.

Description

The NSG Buergewald Steinheide, a vital nature reserve in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis, safeguards a remnant of the historic Bürgewald. Its purpose is to maintain and restore unique plant and animal communities, especially the Pedunculate oak-hornbeam forest, a habitat of European importance. This area provides crucial refuge for diverse wild species, including endangered ones. It is a key sanctuary for birds like the Middle Spotted Woodpecker and the European Honey Buzzard. The reserve protects near-natural deciduous forest communities in all their developmental stages, including valuable old-growth areas with their characteristic species spectrum. Rich forest edges and herbaceous vegetation further enhance its biodiversity. Scientifically, it's significant for harboring animal species with relict characteristics and represents a unique forest type. This ecosystem also plays a role in regeneration near the former Hambach open-pit mine, underlining its ecological value.