NSG Lippeaue von Werne bis Heil

Summary

The Lippeaue von Werne bis Heil nature reserve protects a near-natural river landscape with wet meadows, riparian forests, and stagnant waters. It's a sanctuary for kingfishers, river lampreys, and many wading and water birds.

Description

The Lippeaue von Werne bis Heil nature reserve safeguards an extensive, near-natural river landscape along the Lippe in North Rhine-Westphalia. This area is crucial for the protection and development of diverse biotopes, including natural flowing waters, eutrophic standing waters and oxbows, rare spring areas, and species-rich reed beds and sedge swamps. Specifically protected are valuable habitats such as moist tall herb communities, Alopecurus pratensis and Sanguisorba officinalis meadows, and remnants of soft and hard-wood riparian forests with ash, willows, and alders. The area serves as an important biotope for species of community interest like the river lamprey and the great crested newt. Furthermore, the Lippeaue is an indispensable breeding, feeding, and resting ground for numerous bird species. Here, the kingfisher and the western marsh harrier find refuge, alongside sand martins, nightingales, lapwings, and many other wading and water birds. Its rarity, unique character, and outstanding beauty make the Lippe and its floodplain a vital component of the statewide biotope network.