Seevengeti Observation Platform

If you drive through the nature reserve of the Seeveniederung, you will also pass the Seevengeti project. Depending on the time of year, hundreds of migratory birds can be seen by and on the lake. Binoculars are often helpful here, however.

Beautiful view from the tower of the lake and the cattle

From the small metal observation tower you have fantastic views of the surrounding area and of Lake Steller. You can watch the birds very well here. The tower is far enough from the lake that the birds are not disturbed. Binoculars or telephoto lenses are very helpful here.

The Seevengeti (an artificial word from the Seeveniederung and the Serengeti in Tanzania, made famous in particular by Bernhard Grzimek's documentation "Serengeti must not die") was created in cooperation with the nature conservation authority of the Harburg district, our NABU group and a committed farmer.

In fact, the poor grassland, thorn bushes and open sand areas are more reminiscent of the steppe of East Africa than the typical Elbe marshland landscape. This 10 hectare (or small) "steppe" was created during the construction of the Maschen marshalling yard in the 1970s. Rock and unusable soil were heaped up on the area of today's Seevengeti on Lake Steller and left to nature. They gladly accepted the offer and created habitats that were untypical for this area, but all the more valuable. B. for rare insects, birds and plants.

One problem was the strong birch growth over time, which became a threat to this gem. Regular decussing work by committed nature conservationists led to the fight against windmills and new ideas had to be found to protect this area more effectively from overgrowning.

The decisive stimulus came from the Serengeti in Tanzania: there the trees and bushes fail to dominate the savannah despite thorns and thorns. Herds of herbivores such as buffalo, zebra and antelope are responsible for this. Your grazing behavior ensures a balance that benefits all residents of this habitat.
This is also how it should happen with Maschen - the idea of a “Seevengeti” was born.

nabu-winsen-luhe.de/projekte/seevengeti