Rewetting of peatlands near Bremen
Protecting our climate and biodiversity
One of the foundation's main components in the model project “River Wümme” consists in the restoration of peatland at the Breitenfelder Moor near Hellwege. The peatland lies in the water catchment area of the river Wümme and represents an important wetland of about 400 ha in size. We carry out various renaturation measures, creating the conditions for a nature reserve. The measures are an important contribution to climate protection, as intact peatlands function as carbon reservoirs.
News 2024
Background
Due to the extensive use as a military training area, nature is relatively little affected here. To this day, the fen has been able to retain its character with fluctuating bulks of bog moss and cotton grass in large parts. The viper, which has become rare here, and other species worthy of protection are still at home here. The area is subject to four different protection categories (§ 28a Biotope, nationwide and avifaunistically valuable area, Peatlands Protection Programme II). Drainage was more incisive for the peatland ecosystem than military use.
The Project
In the winter of 2008, the deep main drainage ditch of the peatland was first removed from the clearing. After only one year, the stream began to meander easily and flooded large parts of its banks. In November 2009, we raised the water level to 9 hectares of moorland by partially backfilling another ditch. In 2022, a drainage ditch running through the middle of the wetland and necessary for agriculture has been culverted.
Consequently, all possibilities for rewetting have been implemented and the regeneration of the peatland is secured for the long term, as evidenced by permanently wet areas, the death of pines and birches and the spread of peat moss.
We would like to thank the Foundation for Nature Conservation in the District of Rotenburg (Wümme) for its significant contribution, especially in the last project, and for the fruitful cooperation!
2022-23: Our measures for water retention at the Breitenfelder Moor are taking effect
Further nature conservation measures around the peatland
On the eastern boundary of the peatland, we have planted former cropland with native deciduous trees to form a buffer to the neighbouring (maize) field.
We removed existing structures used by the German Armed Forces: Roads and squares were unsealed and tank facilities dismantled. These areas are now providing a habitat for flowering plants typical of arid grassland and are maintained by regular volunteer work to stop the spread of neophytes.
We would like to thank NABU-Rotenburg/Wümme for their advice and active help.
In the west of the Breitenfelder Moor we are carrying out forest conversion measures. Here, old spruce forest is successively developing into a mixed forest through the removal of conifers and the replanting of native deciduous trees. This improves soil and water balance in the long term and offers native plant and animal species a more natural biotope.
We are tackling the strong spread of the wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) by planting native shrub and deciduous tree species. A hedgerow, important as a windbreak between meadows and fields and as a biotope network, was planted in spring 2018 and will gradually suppress the populations of weeping cherry by providing shade. Hedges of this kind, made up of species typical of the area, are important habitats for insects, birds and small mammals.
