NSG Wetland Saerbeck

The nature reserve (NSG) Wetland Saerbeck, located near Saerbeck, has been protected since 1983, covering an area of about 250 hectares. It is part of a large network of protected areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, the EU bird protection area "Wet Meadows in the northern Münsterland", and thus belongs to the Europe-wide network of protected areas Natura 2000.

Due to species protection-oriented grassland management, such as the creation and maintenance of shallow waters (pools), re-wetting, and especially the extensive use of public lands, wet and moist meadows have been able to develop again. The Mühlengraben flows through the wetland, which is lined with tall herbs and reed species. The entire large, contiguous area is now in a very positive condition.

Due to the nutrient-poor and moist areas, rare species such as the Intermediate Sundew, Lungwort Gentian, Marsh Bloodroot, and Broad-leaved Helleborine can be found in the NSG. Not only has the proportion of typical plants stabilized, but also the breeding bird population. In addition to the Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, and the Great Bustard, of which more than 20 breeding pairs have been found annually since 2007, one also occasionally encounters the Black-throated Wheatear or, with a bit of luck, the Golden Oriole.

The Wetland Saerbeck is an important stopover area for over 100 migratory bird species. This includes, for example, arctic geese, various duck species such as the Spoonbill Duck and wading birds.

The "Brachvogelroute," which is integrated into the cycling network of the NaTourismus routes in the Tecklenburger Land, also passes through this protected area. With a flyer, as well as an information board and a viewing tower on site, it can be better learned about and experienced.

Charly