Erdekaut, Protected landscape area in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Erdekaut is a protected landscape area between Eisenberg and Hettenleidelheim featuring varied terrain and natural habitats spanning roughly 65 hectares. The site includes open grasslands, water bodies, and wooded sections that support different ecosystems.

The area belonged to the Bishopric of Worms during medieval times and later hosted a faience manufactory from 1778 to 1788. The clay pits used for production continue to shape the landscape today.

The name comes from the Palatine dialect word Kaut, meaning "pit" or "mine", and refers to the clay extraction carried out here for centuries. In the Middle Ages the land belonged to the Bishopric of Worms, which used the clay at a faience manufactory in Dirmstein from 1778 to 1788 and also supplied the Ottweiler porcelain works.

The area is accessible via A6 highway exit 18 at Wattenheim or the Eistalbahn train line to Eisenberg station. It offers good opportunities for nature observation and peaceful walks through protected landscapes.

Among the species recorded at Erdekaut are 16 orchid species and the European pond turtle's relative the great crested newt, alongside the yellow-bellied toad and the dragonfly Libellula depressa. The bird list includes the wryneck, kingfisher and little bittern, all protected because they are threatened with extinction.