LIFE Amphikult

This project area contains the highest-quality raised bogs with respect to nature conservation. Here, several raised bogs have formed on a aquiclude lowland dating back to the ice age. Adjacent to the respective raised bogs' cores, grasslands on lowland fens or mineral soils are to be found, arid biotopes on sand occur as well. After industrial peat mining or rural peat-cutting, a rewetting of a high percentage of the raised bogs was financed with EU funds from the LEADER II programme.

The entire area is a registered EU bird sanctuary, while - in addition - partial areas are either protected through the Habitats Directive or are designated as nature reserves. As Western Germany's largest roost for cranes, the area is of enormous importance for breeding and migratory birds, for Papilionoideae and moths, dragonflies and other species.

Look-outs, loop trails and a bog railway provide excellent opportunities for nature observation.

While the area is populated with Natterjack Toad, Common Spadefoot, European Tree Frog, Moor Frog, Pool Frog, and Crested Newt, the most important amphibian spawning grounds are located on the peripheries of the raised bogs.

A large number of ponds was created in the grasslands surrounding the raised bogs in order to strengthen the existing amphibian populations and to improve the connections of the partial areas with one another - as well as with the adjacent areas of the Rottbach Lowland (NAB 6), Siedener Moor (NAB 8), and Hohes Moor (NAB 9).

Area size: 12.648 ha

On-site contact Person: BUND Diepholzer Moorniederung

Link: bund-dhm