Schönecker Schweiz

Summary

Schönecker Schweiz is the part of the Prümer Kalkmulde that has been a nature reserve since 1991 and still has natural or near-natural features of this limestone hollow landscape.

Description

The protected area is characterised by a mosaic of interlocking ecosystems, including semi-arid and arid grasslands, rocky ecosystems, fringe biocoenoses, deciduous forests - especially ravine and lime beech forests -, floodplains, watercourses, large sedge meadows as well as highly herbaceous wet meadows and extensively used agricultural land. This diversity provides a habitat for numerous rare and endangered animal and plant species. The special scenic beauty results from varied elements such as steep slopes, high plateaus, ravine valleys, notched valleys, juniper heaths and striking karst phenomena such as sinkholes, stream gullies, caves, crevices as well as steep rock faces and precipices. As a typical limestone area at a submontane altitude with a sub-oceanic climate and conditions characterised by a small climate, the area is also important as an old cultural and settlement area. It has therefore been placed under special protection as a nature reserve and also provides a refuge for around 60 species of butterflies.