In the middle of the inland dunes of the Ems, the Klatenbergen, is the last juniper heath in the Warendorf district. This heath landscape, which is rather modest compared to the Lüneburg Heath, is of great regional importance as a cultural-historical witness and habitat for rare species.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, large parts of what is now northern Münsterland were heathland. The entire diversity of open dune landscapes is presented on almost 4 hectares with sandy grassland, free sandy areas, flowering heather, gnarled juniper and old oak trees.
In the last 15 years, considerable efforts have been made by the nature conservation and forestry authorities and NABU to secure the old juniper population and to expand the heath area.
After the pine forest was cleared, the upper layer of humus was removed and a few years ago a species-rich flora and fauna reappeared on the open sandy areas. Sand sedge, silver grass and heather green the pioneer areas. The wild bees and solitary wasps, which rely on sandy soil, nest here, and various tiger beetles, the small club cricket and the small fire butterfly have found a home here.
A herd of Bentheimer sheep looks after the heathland from time to time and prevents the growth of trees.
The highest inland dune, the Lustenberg, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the heath. There is also a nice picnic area under old trees.
Source: NABU nature conservation station Münsterland