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Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Bergisches Land

Am Hornpottweg Nature Reserve

Discover

Places to see

Natural Monuments

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Bergisches Land

Am Hornpottweg Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Am Hornpottweg Nature Reserve

Recommended by 52 hikers out of 54

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Am Hornpottweg

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Location: Bergisches Land, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Best Hikes to Am Hornpottweg Nature Reserve

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1. Von Diergardt Lake – Beach at Von-Diergardt Lake loop from Manfort

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2. Hornpottsee – Wild Boar Carved Bench loop from Waldsiedlung

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3. Forest Shelter in Cologne – Hornpottsee loop from Dünnwald

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Easy

Tips

Fab

December 6, 2024

"Hornpott" nature reserve
Location: Am Hornpottweg
________________________________________
The "Am Hornpottweg" nature reserve on the northern city border with Leverkusen-Schlebusch is one of the most valuable biotopes in the Cologne city area.
________________________________________
History:
Dry gravel was extracted in the middle of the mixed forest north of the former workers' settlement "Im Kunstfeld" until 1976. After it was closed down, it was originally planned to fill it. However, the bottom of the approximately 400-meter-wide gravel pit began to fill due to groundwater penetrating. As a result, the number of resting and breeding bird species and the floral biodiversity grew. Species on the Red List were found among them early on. This led to efforts to place the area under nature conservation. Thanks to the efforts of politicians and environmental associations, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia bought the old site and placed the wetland biotope under nature conservation in 1983. In 1993, the “Hornpottweg” road, which ran in the immediate vicinity in the direction of Leverkusen, was closed. The busy road made it difficult to protect common toads and other amphibians in the biotope. The pit itself was also fenced off and may not be entered. However, it is possible to transform it on the two-kilometer circular path.

Flora and fauna:

The water level of the ponds is subject to strong fluctuations, which are influenced by precipitation and the level of the Rhine. When the water level is high, the smaller ponds and water areas merge to form a lake of around six hectares.

During the last survey in 2015, 69 bird species (including 41 breeding bird species) were counted in the area.

In addition to the area around the water areas, the slopes with dense embankments of willows and blackberries, and the adjacent forest with tall pines and birch trees are also developing into species-rich biotopes. The habitats range from reed beds to grassland to small areas of sandy grassland. The rare plants here include the marsh iris, the water knotweed and the heather pink.

Translated by Google •

Fab

December 6, 2024

The good fish population in the ponds provides a food source for numerous species of birds, as well as numerous insects (e.g. dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies).
Since it was designated as a nature reserve, the NABU Leverkusen-Cologne Nature Conservation Station has been looking after the area intensively. The area is looked after with the necessary maintenance measures as well as with technical expertise.
In order to preserve the diverse habitats, sophisticated biotope management is required. It is particularly important to keep the pit open. Without human intervention, the pit would gradually become forested through natural succession. In addition to removing woody growth, the measures also include grazing with Glan cattle (from 2008) and in the summer months with Galloway cattle (since 2012). The eastern slope was thus kept open for the long term. The desired effect could not be achieved for the wet and periodically wet areas. In 2016, extensive manual cutting work was therefore carried out. In 2020, the eight-strong Galloway cattle herd was supplemented by two water buffalo. These are intended to keep the wet areas that the other cattle tend to avoid clear. In the long term, there is hope for less costly manual intervention by humans.

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~Stefan~

March 30, 2025

Circular route marked with red posts!

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Elevation 100 m

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Wednesday 10 December

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Location: Bergisches Land, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Am Hornpottweg Nature Reserve

1. Von Diergardt Lake – Beach at Von-Diergardt Lake loop from Manfort

2. Hornpottsee – Wild Boar Carved Bench loop from Waldsiedlung

3. Forest Shelter in Cologne – Hornpottsee loop from Dünnwald

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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