Baadenberger Senke, Stöckheimer See und Große Laache

The protected area encompasses approximately 74 hectares of interconnected lakes, meadows, and wetlands forming a unified reserve. The space combines open water bodies, shallow zones, and grassland areas that provide habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species.

The area developed from three former gravel extraction sites that operated from the 1960s through the late 1990s. Once quarrying ended, the land was gradually transformed into a protected nature reserve.

Visitors experience a landscape where different habitats like open water, reed zones, and meadows exist side by side, showing how nature reclaims space. The varied environment reflects a balance between protection and public access to the natural world.

Access is provided through marked walking paths that traverse the area and allow visitors of varying abilities to explore the landscape. Swimming, fishing, camping, and barbecuing are not permitted around the water bodies.

The reserve serves as critical habitat for specialized species including the natterjack toad, blue-winged grasshopper, and bee orchid. These uncommon species depend on the varied zones within the protected area to survive.