NSG Oestlicher Teutoburger Wald

Summary

Eastern Teutoburg Forest protects vast, near-natural beech forests, dry grasslands, and vital habitats for rare birds like woodpeckers and red kites, plus various bats, newts, and sand lizards.

Description

The Eastern Teutoburg Forest Nature Reserve is a significant area within North Rhine-Westphalia, preserving extensive, near-natural beech forests, including Hainsimsen and Waldmeister beech types. These forests feature a rich age structure with valuable old and dead wood, along with associated woodlands and diverse forest edges. The reserve also protects important dry and semi-dry grasslands, such as Trespen-Schwingel limestone dry grasslands and dry heathlands, which contribute to its unique landscape. This diverse environment provides crucial habitats for numerous protected species. Notable birds found here include the black, grey, and middle spotted woodpeckers, red kite, Tengmalm's owl, European honey buzzard, golden oriole, and red-backed shrike. Bat species like the greater mouse-eared bat and Daubenton's bat thrive within its boundaries. The reserve is also home to the great crested newt and sand lizard. Additionally, traditional, species-rich coppice forests on limestone, lean meadows, and pastures contribute to the area's ecological value. A former sand extraction site with woody plants and the 'Mordkuhle' cave, an important geotop and biotop, further enhance its natural and cultural significance.