Rhee

Summary

Vor der Abtrennung von der Norderelbe in den 60iger Jahren war auch dieses Gebiet von der Tide und von Sturmfluten geprägt.

Description

Since people stopped using the land for farming, reed beds and tall herbaceous vegetation have developed on the areas formerly used as grassland. In many parts of the area, species such as nettles and small reed dominate. In the lower-lying areas, dense fringes of common reed and great manna grass grow along the banks of the Georgswerder Schleusengraben. The white willow is the most common tree species here. These are often old, mature pollarded trees, some of which are beginning to fall apart. Characteristic herbaceous species include ground ivy and lesser celandine, the latter of which flowers in spring. The endangered sand leek is also not uncommon. Another endangered plant found here is broad-leaved ragwort, which is characteristic of the Elbe floodplains influenced by tides and still occurs in the reed beds. The bird species found in the Rhee are typical examples of those that depend on water bodies, shrubs and tall herbaceous vegetation. Of particular note is the presence of the kingfisher, which has bred in the area repeatedly in recent years. Among the dragonflies, species that prefer nutrient-rich waters predominate. Endangered dragonfly species present include the emperor dragonfly and the brilliant emerald. Among the amphibians, the common toad, grass frog and smooth newt inhabit the Rhee.