Wetland at the Schaagbach

A beautiful swamp landscape in the forest that is usually easy to hike. It was very muddy today. Sturdy shoes are essential.

The Schaagbachtal, located in the Schwalm-Nette-Platte natural area, is of national importance due to a diversely structured biotope complex with occurrence of the priority habitats of alder and ash floodplain forest and birch moor forest. The area is characterized by a large variety of species and a complete, natural habitat inventory and is therefore of outstanding importance as a refuge area in the natural area.

The Schaagbachtal is, among other things, a breeding area for black woodpeckers and kingfishers. It is home to large, species-rich, stream-influenced alder forests and floodplain forests that are exemplary and representative of the natural area. In addition, wet grassland and spring areas, as well as small areas of moors and wet heaths, can be found in the area. It is the habitat of the common wedge damsel, a dragonfly species that is threatened with extinction in North Rhine-Westphalia, the natterjack toad, the meadow pipit and the king fern. What is characteristic of the area is that the sources of five streams are located here, which have allowed the Schaagbachtal to develop into a species-rich wetland. The stream meanders through moist valleys whose edges can rise up to 20 m high. One of the springs is near Haus Wildenrath, south of Wildenrath.

"... The Rumpenbach and the Schaagbach have their source areas near the Haus Wildenrath nature park. The Rumpenbach feeds and flows through the Haus Wildenrath pond and flows into the Schaagbach after about 1 km.
The Schaagbach flows west past Haus Wildenrath and finally takes up the Rumpenbach. The stream then meanders strongly through the Birgeler Wald nature reserve. Before the Schaagbach passes the towns of Schaufenberg and Rosenthal, it flows past a listed motte and ditch system. ..."
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schaagbach