Egge East Slope and Lippischer Velmerstot Nature Reserve

"The nature reserve and its immediate surroundings are, with Lippischer and Prussian Velmerstot, the highest peaks in the Eggegebirge. The mountain range, which runs in a north-south direction, forms a climate divide with its high precipitation totals (1200 mm per year) and harsh temperatures. Accordingly, higher low mountain ranges already occur here typical animal and plant species. This transitional character contributes to the special diversity of species in the protected area. Representing many other species, the greater fritillary butterfly and the short-winged bush cricket in the ridge areas indicate the special cool-humid conditions.The mountain heath on the Velmerstot, which is dominated by blueberries and common heather, is one of the few surviving examples of this cultural landscape habitat that once shaped the ridges and was created by grazing. Aside from the far-reaching views of the surrounding area, the special appeal of the landscape aesthetics also results from the embedding of the high heath in a seemingly unspoilt, isolated landscape. Block debris heaps on the eastern slope made up of mixed forests and several abandoned, historic quarries make a significant contribution to this. The expansion of the silicate rock structures was one of the key reasons for protection. In addition to a species-rich moss flora, they are of particular importance as breeding grounds and for overwintering and swarming bats."

"On the sandstone soils of the nature reserve, species-poor grove beech forests dominate with an increasing proportion of conifers towards the crest. Characteristic species of the herbaceous layer are plant vines, hairy hairs and alder buckthorn. Species-rich woodruff beech forests grow above the fat Jura Tone on the lower slopes, in which in the vicinity of the Silberbaches there is still an increased proportion of oaks.The abundance of water in the area is striking. Numerous, constantly pouring spring horizons form partly deeply incised notched valleys with clean spring streams. Together with the adjacent forest areas, the nature reserve is the habitat of numerous endangered animal species. In addition to eagle owls and black woodpeckers, the wild cat regularly found in the harrow area, the hazel grouse and a larger population of dormouse should be mentioned. The special importance of the area and the mountain range in general also results from its function as a guidance system for forest-bound species within the framework of the supra-regional biotope network. The area is developed by Eggeweg and Hermannsweg."
natur-erleben-nrw.de/natura-2000/regionen-und-areas-in-nrw/details/eggeosthang-mit-lippischer-velmerstot

A sporty ascent that is rewarded with an incredibly great view 🥾🍃