NSG Dornicksche Ward

Summary

Dornicksche Ward along the Rhine protects diverse riverine landscapes, including softwood alluvial forests, wetlands, and grasslands. It's vital for rare birds, fish like the Bitterling, and amphibians.

Description

The Dornicksche Ward is a vital nature reserve shaped by the Rhine, showcasing a dynamic riverine landscape with diverse habitats. It preserves extensive softwood alluvial forests, precious wet grasslands, and unique muddy and sandy riverbanks. The area features numerous oxbows, small water bodies, and gravel banks, creating a mosaic of life. These environments are crucial for a wide array of species, including the protected Bitterling fish and endangered amphibians, which find essential spawning and foraging grounds here. It serves as a significant stopover and breeding area for many rare and migratory birds like the Bluethroat, Smew, and Whooper Swan, alongside various wading birds and overwintering wild geese. The reserve safeguards the typical Rhine fish fauna and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the Lower Rhine region.