Pätzer Kiesgrube, Protected area in Bestensee, Germany
Pätzer Kiesgrube is a protected nature reserve in Bestensee that was created on the site of a former gravel extraction area. The landscape now features open sand flats, shallow ponds, and diverse habitats that have developed naturally over the decades.
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.
This conservation area represents the regional commitment to environmental protection, featuring specific habitats for local plant communities and wildlife species.
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 site supports specialized habitats for kingfishers and sand lizards that thrive in sandy, nutrient-poor conditions. The shallow waters are particularly rich in dragonfly populations, which use these ponds as breeding grounds.
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