Stilleking, Nature reserve in Lüdenscheid, Germany
Stilleking is a nature reserve in Lüdenscheid that covers about 153 hectares of meadows and heathlands providing habitat for rare plants and animals. The terrain spreads across varying elevations and displays different natural biotopes that are typical for North Rhine-Westphalia.
The area served as a military training ground from the 1930s until 1992, which prevented agricultural use and allowed specific biotopes to develop. This long period without intensive human management was essential for creating the biodiversity seen today.
The reserve is managed by a nature conservation center that runs environmental education programs from a farm base on site. Visitors can learn about the importance of this landscape for nature protection in the region.
Visitors can hike through the reserve on marked trails and explore the different landscape forms. It is recommended to wear good footwear as the terrain is uneven and can become muddy in wet weather.
About 40 Heck cattle graze in parts of the reserve and act as natural landscape managers. Their presence keeps the grassland open and prevents the area from becoming overgrown with trees.
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