A natural idyll on the Kappelberg. Now cordoned off and naturally grazed, the rough meadows on the southern ridge stretch up to the edge of the forest.
Location and history: The steppe heath is located on the Fellbach Kappelberg. It represents a link and border between the city and the province. In 2019, the city of Fellbach decided to clear the steppe heath on the Kappelberg. This reclaimed steppe pasture is to be partially fenced in and, in the future, will contribute to species conservation as a protected flora and fauna habitat. Around 100 years ago, there wasn't a single tree in sight on the Fellbach Kappelberg, according to the press release. Fellbach's local mountain was intensively used for grazing; today, only a few areas remain to bear witness to this cultivation.
The Swabian Alb Association manages an area on the Kappelberg, and this area was also used as a sheep pasture in earlier centuries. The so-called steppe heath is a species-rich biotope that is highly endangered and therefore highly protected: The barren landscape is a refuge for an astonishing number of plants and animals that have adapted to their habitat and are therefore dependent on it. Orchids and rare species of wild bees, for example, feel at home in the steppe heath. Various insect species need open ground to dig their breeding tubes into. Some species specialize in wild herbs that only grow on the steppe heath. Especially in this time of massive insect decline, the steppe heath is a habitat that should not be underestimated, according to the city. Therefore, the area at the front of Kappelberg is to become a so-called European FFH area (Flora-Fauna-Habitat) - an area that is particularly worthy of protection and which also plays a central role in the networking of habitats. The individual European protected areas are intended to enable an exchange between them. In order to further promote this exchange and to preserve the biodiversity there, an expansion of the protected area is necessary, according to the experts. Nearly 10,000 square meters – two overgrown garden plots and a steep embankment east of the existing protected area – are suitable for a so-called clearing of shrubs. However, the conversion to steppe heath will not take place all at once, but rather in several environmentally friendly stages over the next few years. Unwanted bushes and shrubs will be permanently kept at bay by grazing goats. Heiner Negele is responsible for this in Fellbach: In mid-October, the farmer repeatedly drives his herd up the Kappelberg. Since the existing steppe heath has been heavily used by walkers and outdoor sports enthusiasts in recent times, the nature reserve is being fenced off. The initially temporary fence was erected by the Nature Conservation Association together with members of the Rotary Stuttgart/Remstal and some mountain bike representatives. The city administration has been using numerous signs and information boards since the summer of 2020 to warn people that the heathland is off-limits. Unfortunately, the ban has been ignored by many: In the meantime, not only paved paths but also actual bicycle trails have emerged, causing enormous damage to the landscape. The expansion of the steppe heath, which is being carried out in close coordination with the nature conservation authorities, the Nature Conservation Association, and other stakeholders, is expected to have a positive impact on the city of Fellbach's ecological balance and may be funded if necessary. First, however, the existing steppe heath must be maintained. In October, farmer Negele's goats will "organically mow" the area and ensure the preservation of the heathland. For this purpose, the areas will be temporarily fenced off. The central gravel path and the dirt path at the edge of the forest will have to be closed for the grazing period (approximately two weeks). A detour for hikers has been set up, according to the city.
Source: Swabian Alpine Association Fellbach Local Group