Viehmoor, Nature reserve in Leiferde and Ribbesbüttel, Germany

Viehmoor is a 302-hectare nature reserve southwest of Gifhorn, east of Leiferde, in a 2.4-kilometre-long, 1.2-kilometre-wide lowland. A dune ridge up to 3 metres high with mixed forest and heath borders it to the north and east; the west holds seven former fish ponds covering about 36 hectares, and the south wet grassland with peat-digging pools and alder carr.

The area received protected status on August 2, 1979, to safeguard its ecological features and wildlife habitats. This designation emerged from increasing recognition of the need to preserve natural environments in the region.

The NABU district association Gifhorn looks after the reserve through volunteer work parties of the Viehmoor working group, and the NABU Species Protection Centre at Leiferde, on the edge of the village near the reserve, offers guided walks into the area. In the southwest the reserve borders an oil extraction field.

Marked trails and parking areas are available for visitors exploring the site. The NABU Species Protection Center in Leiferde provides information and can arrange guided visits to help you understand the reserve better.

The reserve includes roughly 36 hectares of former fish ponds with wetland zones that attract uncommon bird species. These particular habitats developed through past human use and now represent one of the site's most interesting features.