View of the Haarenniederung from Hörneweg

"Haarenniederung" nature reserveIDENTIFICATION: NSG WE 305The protected area includes the lower reaches of the Haaren and the adjacent lowland areas, which are characterized by high groundwater or backwater levels. A diverse flora and fauna has developed here, some of which are rare and endangered species and plant communities, which are sensitive to changes in use and impairments to the water balance and are therefore particularly in need of protection.The lowland area, which is crossed by the typical, slow-flowing Haaren geest water, was previously used almost exclusively for grassland. Today, larger areas have fallen fallow and are developing from reedbeds and sedge marshes into willow bushes and alder beech forest.In order to preserve the former meadow character, regular mowing work is required to preserve light-loving, rare marsh and meadow plants such as water ragwort, marsh trefoil or yellow meadow rue.