Natural monuments in the district of Viersen

In June, the cycle route of the month starts in Schwalmtal-Waldniel at junction (KP) 24 at the Catholic Church of St. Michael and passes by natural landmarks in the district of Viersen. In total, there are 82 natural landmarks in the district. Due to their rarity, peculiarity, or beauty, as well as their value for science, local history, and understanding of nature, they require special protection. They are checked annually and can be recognized by a triangular green and white plaque.
The route initially runs on farm roads via KP 20 towards KP 40. Cyclists pass by the Narrenmühle and reach the old town in Viersen-Dülken. At the intersection of Moselstraße / Schöffengasse, the route turns left towards Viersen-Boisheim. Passing fields, it leads to the first natural landmark of the circuit at KP 37. Next to the Luzienkapelle stands an approximately 150-year-old winter linden tree. It is about 15 meters tall and its trunk circumference measures about four meters. Among the Germanic tribes, lime wood was considered "Sacred Wood" and is particularly suitable for carving due to its soft and uniform texture. Today, beekeepers appreciate the lime tree as a source of nectar during the bloom.
The tour continues towards KP 67 to KP 63. It then follows the BahnRadweg towards Nettetal-Lobberich. Further along towards KP 87, cyclists pass another natural landmark on the left side. The approximately 140-year-old blue Atlas cedar stands in a private garden but is clearly visible from the route. It is about 21 meters tall, has a crown circumference of 23 meters, and a trunk circumference of about 3.60 meters. Its native habitat is the North African Atlas and Rif Mountains. Since 2013, it has been listed on the Red List of endangered plant species.
Cyclists then pass by the impressive church of St. Sebastian in the center of Lobberich and reach KP 1 in Sassenfeld. The tour leads along a lime tree avenue to KP 14. It passes by the Lambertiturm in the center of Nettetal-Breyell before participants reach a third natural landmark. Clearly visible on a private property on Felderend Street, a nearly 25-meter-tall and about 120-year-old giant sequoia tree stands out. It is also known as the "Father of Trees" and is one of the tallest specimens on Earth.
Further along the route, the tour continues on partially unpaved paths via KP 50 in Nettetal-Schaag and KP 9 in the Happelter Heide to KP 65 in Schwalmtal-Dilkrath. Cyclists pass by the mill tower in Schwalmtal-Amern and reach KP 38. A short distance off the route, a detour to the St. Anton's Church is worth it. Here stands an approximately 150-year-old copper beech, named for its "blood-colored" leaves. It is 23 meters tall and its crown diameter measures around 20 meters. The beech is a vital supplier of oxygen, acts as a water-evaporating air conditioner on hot summer days, and serves as an effective carbon dioxide store.
Back on the route, the path leads along pollard willows through the Kranenbachniederung nature reserve towards Schwalmtal-Waldniel. Upon arrival, cyclists will find the last natural landmark at the junction of Amerner Straße / Häsenberg at the entrance to the Protestant cemetery. Next to a so-called Torsobaum stands another copper beech. It is 160 years old and about 20 meters tall. Due to its smooth bark and delicately hairy young leaves, the copper beech is also known as the "Queen of the Forest." Just behind the last detour, the bike tour ends after about 43 kilometers at the starting point in Schwalmtal-Waldniel at KP 24.