Nature conservation in Bocholt: Bergahorn planting for more diversity!

Nature conservation in Bocholt: Bergahorn planting for more diversity!

On February 21, 2025, representatives of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the Borken district and the NABU district association Borken e.V. are active in the “Hohenhorster Berge” nature reserve in Bocholt. Together they plant young mountain hearing, supported by trainees from the Spaleck company from Bocholt. This planting campaign is part of a comprehensive plan to protect and promote the biodiverses flora and fauna of the area.

Patrick Lückel and Jan Sicking from the lower nature conservation authority explain the basic role of the forest in the ecosystem and the specific challenges with which the nature reserve is confronted. While the "Hohenhorster Mountains" are known as a popular recreational goal, the intensive use of the area is limited to the natural habitats by those seeking relaxation, dog owners, mountain bikers and riders.

visitor steering and protective measures

As part of the measure, various strategies for visitor steering were presented. These include the labeling of paths with red wooden pegs, the blocking of inadmissible tramps and the protection of the sensitive sand dunes. Information pults and boards should help visitors to find out about the area and the regulations there.

Bernd Garvert, head of the nature and environment department, emphasizes how important it is to promote a diverse deciduous forest as a retreat for animals. In particular, the preservation of the sand dunes, the promotion of rare sand drying as well as the securing and development of the deciduous forest companies represent central challenges that are to be addressed by the new measures.

sustainable use and calls for consideration

A problem that should not be underestimated are the disturbances during the breeding and setting time, which additionally burden the sensitive ecosystem. Friedel Wielers from the nature and environment department therefore appeals to all visitors to act freely: dogs should be led on a leash and waste should be properly disposed of. Almost four percent of the area of ​​the district are shown as a nature reserve, and lingering away from the paths are prohibited.

violations of the regulations in nature reserves can be punished as administrative offenses with fines, whereby the hunters, the NABU district association and the city of Bocholt are therefore protecting for the area and its sensitive habitats. In this context, there is already a meeting on site on the agenda to coordinate measures for better route and to shut -off areas.

The population is informed about the specific plans and further steps before the measures are finally implemented. This hopes to preserve the special peculiarity of the "Hohenhorster Mountain" nature reserve for future generations and at the same time to take into account the needs of those seeking relaxation.