Hühnermoor, Nature reserve in Harsewinkel, Germany

Hühnermoor is a nature reserve in Harsewinkel covering about 8.5 hectares of protected wetland situated between two sand dunes. The soil conditions support only specialized plant species adapted to the nutrient-poor and acidic environment.

The area received protection in 1938 and was formally designated under conservation measures by the Regierungspräsident in Detmold in 1965. These early decisions reflected growing recognition of its ecological value.

The name Hühnermoor refers to the moor itself, not to a documented bird: sources record no grouse or moorhen living here. What visitors can notice today is the moor's use as a record of vegetation history, since pollen preserved in the peat layers shows which plants grew here thousands of years ago. The Sumpfkalla (Calla palustris) appeared in 1975 and may have been introduced by people, as it is absent from the surrounding area.

Visitors can observe the wetland from designated paths throughout the year, though access to sensitive conservation areas is restricted. The walking routes are straightforward and offer several vantage points for watching wildlife.

Pollen preserved in the peat layers tells the story of vegetation patterns spanning thousands of years. Scientists can read these natural records to understand how the landscape and climate changed over deep time.