Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen, nature reserve in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
The Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen is a protected nature reserve at the eastern end of Lake Baldeney in Essen featuring shallow water zones and periodically flooded forest areas. The site is lined with willows, maples, and hornbeams, and has walking paths along the water's edge that allow visitors to observe plants and wildlife up close.
The area was designated for protection in 1989, following the creation of Lake Baldeney in the 1930s when the Ruhr River was dammed. The protection status was established to preserve the shallow water zones and forests that are vital for many bird species.
The name "Heisinger Bogen" refers to the river bend of the original Ruhr River course that this place preserves. Visitors notice how the area is used by people walking on the paths beside the water and observing birds in their natural behavior.
The reserve is easily reached by public transport and features flat paths accessible to wheelchairs. Visitors should keep dogs on leashes, avoid leaving trash, and stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.
The reserve hosts a large heron colony with around 90 nests, a remarkable concentration in such a small area. This colony demonstrates how river bird species have returned to the region after being absent for many years.
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