The Schaagbachtal, located in the Schwalm-Nette-Platte natural area, is of national importance due to a diversely structured biotope complex with occurrence of the priority habitats of alder and ash floodplain forest and birch moor forest. The area is characterized by a large variety of species and a complete, natural habitat inventory and is therefore of outstanding importance as a refuge area in the natural area.
The Schaagbachtal is, among other things, a breeding area for black woodpeckers and kingfishers. It is home to large, species-rich, stream-influenced alder forests and floodplain forests that are exemplary and representative of the natural area. In addition, wet grassland and spring areas, as well as small areas of moors and wet heaths, can be found in the area. It is the habitat of the common wedge damsel, a dragonfly species that is threatened with extinction in North Rhine-Westphalia, the natterjack toad, the meadow pipit and the king fern. What is characteristic of the area is that the sources of five streams are located here, which have allowed the Schaagbachtal to develop into a species-rich wetland. The stream meanders through moist valleys whose edges can rise up to 20 m high. One of the springs is near Haus Wildenrath, south of Wildenrath.