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08.07.2024

Project area visit to assess the bird habitats at Barnbruch

A collaborative field visit to Barnbruch, Lower Saxony

In a recent exploratory visit to the Special Protection Area Barnbruch, representatives from NABU Ecological Station Aller/Oker (ÖNSA), the district nature conservation authority Wolfsburg (UNB Wolfsburg) and NLWKN came together to identify potential areas for meadow bird conservation. Their goal was to assess the suitability of different sites as breeding grounds and possible development of habitats for meadow birds.

The visit revealed a mix of opportunities and challenges. While some promising sites were identified, the location of many breeding areas posed a potential hurdle. Project area Ilkerbruch showed potential, with sightings of Lapwings and Cranes. The surrounding grasslands could be further developed through cooperation with local landowners. Known for its importance to waterfowl and waders, the Ilkerbruch lake's southern shores and reed beds provide important habitats. However, the heavy traffic on the nearby road poses significant risks to wildlife.

The group continued their visit to the nature conservation areas Ilkerbruch and Düpenwiesen: These meadows, maintained by Volkswagen since 2001, offer a model for successful habitat management with grazing by Heck cattle and Konik ponies.

The field visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic planning in meadow bird conservation. By working together, these organisations hope to overcome the challenges and improve the habitats for meadow birds at Barnbruch.


Three people standing in a darkened hut watching a lake outside the windows. Posters of birds are hanging on the walls in the background.
Meeting at the Ilkerbruch observation hut. Photo: J. Ahrendt-Hitzegrad/NLWKN
An area of grassland with trees and wetlands stretches around a lake. Individual Lapwings can be seen flying in the distance.
View from the Ilkerbruch observation tower. Pairs of Lapwings fly in the distance. Photo: J. Ahrendt-Hitzegrad/NLWKN
Three people on the left of the picture observe the high grassland vegetation on the right of the picture with binoculars.
The group looks at the situation of the grassland areas at Barnbruch and observes the bird species present. Photo: J. Ahrendt-Hitzegrad/NLWKN