Erlache, Nature reserve lake in Bensheim, Germany
Erlache is a still water body near Bensheim with a surface area of approximately 8 hectares and a maximum depth of about 17 meters. The shoreline is characterized by alder groves, meadows, and reed zones that create a natural habitat for water birds and other aquatic wildlife.
Gravel extraction at Erlache uncovered Ice Age fossils, including mammoth and steppe bison bones preserved in sediment layers. These discoveries reveal that massive herbivores inhabited the region thousands of years ago.
The forest section of Erlache contains typical wetland plant species such as poplars and alders, creating an environment for local bird populations.
The shoreline is accessible for observing water birds, raptors, and various woodpeckers in their natural setting. The best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon hours when wildlife is most active.
Beavers established a colony at the lake beginning in 2017, while Canadian geese have maintained a permanent population there since 1986. These two species demonstrate the return of wildlife to the region.
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