Pätzer Kiesgrube, Protected area in Bestensee, Germany

Pätzer Kiesgrube is a 15.5-hectare nature reserve south of Pätz, a district of Bestensee in Brandenburg. It lies within the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, with the B 179 to the east, the A 13 to the west, the Pätzer Vordersee to the north and the Pätzer Hintersee reserve to the west.

The area was officially designated as a protected nature reserve in 2002 and has since preserved the natural recolonization of an abandoned gravel pit. This transformation demonstrates how industrial sites can regenerate into valuable ecosystems.

The reserve lies south of Pätz, a district of Bestensee, and takes its name from that village. It forms part of the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, and the surrounding area is bordered by the Pätzer Vordersee to the north and the larger Pätzer Hintersee reserve to the west. Visitors can look for the sand flats and shallow water bodies left by gravel extraction.

You can explore the area on designated walking paths that also connect to the nearby Pätzer Hintersee. The best time to visit is during warmer months when wildlife is most active and paths are easily walkable.

The reserve covers about 15.5 hectares south of Pätz, a district of Bestensee, with the B 179 running along its eastern edge and the A 13 to the west. North of the site lies the Pätzer Vordersee, and west the 462-hectare Pätzer Hintersee reserve. The area was placed under protection by ordinance on 5 March 2002 under number 1220.