NSG Drover Heide <LP Kreuzau Nideggen>

Summary

Drover Heide protects an impressive heath landscape with dry and wet silicate habitats. It is home to rare amphibians, reptiles, insects, and plants, as well as valuable bird species.

Description

Drover Heide is a significant nature reserve, preserving extensive open, dry, and wet silicate heathlands, along with nutrient-poor shrub and forest communities. It features species-rich heath areas of exceptional beauty. The area serves as a vital habitat for numerous endangered animal and plant species. Protected amphibians and reptiles include the natterjack toad, European tree frog, agile frog, and grass snake. Rare insects like the short-winged bush cricket and wart-biter also call this place home. The flora is remarkable, featuring species such as Deptford pink, pyramidal bugle, branched centaury, marsh gentian, rough poppy, and meadow thistle. Designated as a site of community importance under the Habitats Directive, the heath also protects specific habitats like nutrient-poor standing waters, wet and dry heaths with bell heather, and Molinia meadows. Important bird species such as the golden oriole, stonechat, wood lark, and European nightjar find refuge here. Additionally, archaeological and cultural-historical evidence is preserved within the area.