NSG Lippeaue-Lippeaue westlich Lippborg

Summary

The Lippeaue west of Lippborg protects a diverse river landscape, crucial for rare plant and animal species. It preserves natural riverine structures, oxbow lakes, and alluvial forests, serving as a vital breeding and resting ground for many waterbirds.

Description

The Lippeaue-Lippeaue west of Lippborg nature reserve safeguards the diverse river landscape of the Lippe. Its primary purpose is the protection and development of near-natural structures, the dynamics, and connectivity of the river, along with its characteristic floodplain elements. This includes natural eutrophic lakes and oxbow lakes, watercourses with underwater vegetation, and lowland hay meadows. The area's alluvial forests, encompassing both hardwood and alder-ash and soft-wood alluvial forests, are particularly significant. They provide protected habitats for rare and endangered animal species such as the European bullhead, European tree frog, brook and river lamprey, and the spined loach. For water-bound birds, the Lippeaue is a crucial breeding, resting, and wintering area. Numerous species like the Northern shoveler, Common ringed plover, Western marsh harrier, Northern lapwing, Common kingfisher, and White stork utilize this habitat. Scientific and natural history values, alongside the preservation of valuable floodplain soils, underscore the high importance of this natural sanctuary.