NSG Auebachtal

The floodplain of the Große Aue

The Große Aue is an over 80 km long tributary of the Weser and has its source in the Rödinghausen district of Dono. In contrast to all other waters at the foot of the Wiehengebirge on this side, which turn southwards from the source, the Große Aue runs from south to north and crosses the Wiehengebirge.

North of the Wiehengebirge, some sections of the heavily straightened Große Aue were given a new meandering watercourse bed from 1989 in a complex and nationally unique process. The primary objective was flood retention. In these flood polders, which are controlled by weirs, typical floodplain and endangered species have settled in the standing waters. However, the non-natural character of the stream has remained.

The plan for the section in Rödinghausen is to develop the course of the stream in a near-natural way. The stream was considerably narrowed and its old course altered, particularly in the course of railroad construction over 120 years ago. The natural flooding area, the floodplain, which gave the stream its name, is to be restored, at least in sections, as is the continuity for migratory aquatic life.

The small nature reserve "Auebachtal" with an area of just under 15 hectares is managed by the Biological Station. The species-rich meadows are used extensively through contractual regulations ("contractual nature conservation") (late mowing, no fertilization).

Further information: www.fahr-im-kreis.de