Versmolder Bruch, nature reserve in Versmold, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Versmolder Bruch is a large protected area south of Versmold featuring wet meadows, open fields, and small lakes. The landscape consists of two distinct parts: the western section is open with scattered trees and bushes, while the eastern part is denser with alder forests, willows, and wild shrubs.
The area was known as early as the 13th century and was originally characterized by alder forests and frequent flooding. In the 20th century, stream channelization caused drying, until the area was placed under protection in 1990 and later restored through the creation of water bodies.
The area shows how people and nature can live together. Local farmers manage the meadows carefully, and Galloway cattle graze to keep the fields open, using traditional methods that now serve conservation purposes.
The area has a walking trail and an observation tower along Wiesenstrasse where you can watch birds and the landscape. Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid nesting areas to protect breeding birds and their young.
After being protected, the area was artificially expanded with 28 water bodies that now provide important habitats for dragonflies and wading birds. Particularly notable is the presence of over 25 dragonfly species, three of which are on North Rhine-Westphalia's Red List.
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