Nature Atlas SZ 8: Heerter See

The reed beds are all legally protected habitats. The Heerter Lake is a former ore clarification pond that was placed under nature protection due to its richness in bird species. With a water surface of 120 - 160 ha, the Heerter Lake is the largest body of water in Salzgitter and far beyond. In the south, the lake ends in the Heerter shrubbery. To the north towards the Fuhse, as well as to the east and west, it is bordered by a dam more than 20 m high. Due to its use, the lake is extremely shallow and only about 2.5 m deep at its deepest point. Large shoreline areas are covered with extensive reed beds, providing habitat for numerous birds as well as other animals. The former mudflats between the shore and the dam are now almost completely overgrown. Numerous shrubs have started to take over the areas. The extensive bushes of sea buckthorn are striking, as they can thrive very well on the slightly salty soil.