NSG Lippeaue

Summary

The Lippeaue is a near-natural river floodplain, offering vital habitat for many endangered animal and plant species. It protects valuable alluvial forests, sand grasslands, lakes, and waterways, home to rare species like otters, great crested newts, and pond bats.

Description

The Lippeaue is a significant natural area in North Rhine-Westphalia, characterized by its extensive, near-natural river floodplain landscape, vital for a statewide biotope network. Its purpose is to preserve and develop rare habitats and communities for a diverse range of animals and plants. This area specifically protects natural alluvial forests, moist tall herb communities, Arrhenatherion meadows, and inland dune sand dry grasslands. The Lippeaue provides crucial habitats for endangered species such as the European otter, pond bat, great crested newt, river lamprey, and mercury bluet. It is also an important site for wading, meadow, and water birds; breeding species include Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Teal, and Garganey. For overwintering species like the Common Pochard and Common Merganser, as well as the migrating Eurasian Bittern, the floodplain is indispensable. The conservation of this riverine landscape contributes significantly to the preservation of biodiversity.