Tongrubengelände von Bensheim und Heppenheim, Protected clay pit area in Hessen, Germany.
This nature reserve spans 92 hectares between Bensheim and Heppenheim with ponds, reed beds, and wetlands. The landscape developed from former clay extraction sites that transformed into valuable habitats after decades of abandonment.
Industrial clay mining operated here from 1900 to 1960. Forced laborers worked in the facilities during World War II, making this a site of historical remembrance.
A memorial in Heppenheim honors the forced laborers who worked in the clay production facilities during World War II. The site stands as a reminder of this difficult period and invites visitors to reflect on its significance.
An observation hut at the Jägerteiche ponds offers clear views across the water for wildlife watching. The site is easily accessible and provides quiet spots for observation without requiring strenuous activity.
Around 90 bird species breed here, and the area functions as a critical stopover for migratory birds crossing central Europe. This importance for birdlife makes the regenerated landscape a magnet for those interested in bird watching.
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