Tongruben am Ratinger Weg, Nature reserve in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Tongruben am Ratinger Weg is a nature reserve in northern Düsseldorf that combines varied habitats within a small area. The site shows different ground conditions, ranging from dry to wet zones, each supporting its own mix of plants and wildlife.
This site developed from former clay pits that supplied materials for regional brick production during the 19th and 20th centuries. After extraction stopped, the area was designated as a nature reserve in 1983 and this protection was renewed in 2011.
The name refers to the clay pits that once shaped this land. Today, visitors come here to experience the local nature and observe the different habitats that thrive across the site.
The site sits at the northern edge of the Gerresheim district and borders the Grafenberger Forest wildlife area. You can reach it on foot, though sturdy shoes are recommended since ground conditions vary with the seasons and can be muddy or wet.
The western pits host rare fern species such as hart's-tongue and shield ferns, indicating an unusual forest ecosystem. This specialized plant community shows how quickly abandoned industrial sites can transform into diverse natural spaces.
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