Steinhorster Becken

Steinhorster Becken is a protected wetland along the dammed Ems River in North Rhine-Westphalia, composed of open water, wet meadows, and extensive reed beds. The site spans several dozen hectares and forms a continuous habitat for water birds and aquatic wildlife.

Local authorities built this retention basin in 1972 to prevent recurring floods in downstream river communities. Its designation as a nature reserve came in 1982, allowing the flooded area to develop into a rich habitat for birds and wetland plants.

The area functions as a research site where the Paderborn Biological Station has monitored bird populations since 1988, making the habitat's ecological role visible to visitors. This scientific work helps people understand how the site supports migratory and breeding birds throughout the year.

A circular walking trail guides visitors around the basin, with observation platforms positioned for wildlife viewing. The site is most rewarding for bird watching during spring and autumn migration periods, when many species pass through the area.

The basin ranks among the largest human-made biotopes in its region, having evolved from a flood control engineering project. It demonstrates how infrastructure built for one purpose can unexpectedly become a sanctuary for wildlife.