Dellbrücker Heide, Protected area in Dellbrück, Germany.
Dellbrücker Heide is a protected natural area in northeastern Cologne featuring heathland, sandy grasslands, and low vegetation across about 39 hectares. The site borders Höhenfelder Lake and consists of open landscape without tall trees or forest.
The site functioned as military grounds until 1993, which unintentionally preserved open habitats like dwarf shrub heaths and sandy grasslands. After becoming a protected area, systematic measures were implemented to maintain these natural structures.
The name refers to the Dellbrück district and describes an area visitors experience today as open natural landscape with low-lying plants and grasses. This appearance results from deliberate management practices that have shaped how the place looks over many years.
The area is open to visitors, but stepping off marked paths can damage sensitive habitats and is not permitted. It is advisable to stay on designated trails during your visit and bring binoculars to observe wildlife without disturbing it.
The area contains about 41 different habitat types, with 27 classified as endangered in Germany, supporting rare animals like blue-winged grasshoppers and natterjack toads. This diversity on a relatively small area makes it a hotspot for threatened species in the region.
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