The area is characterized by the Georgswerder Schleusengraben, an arm of the Dove Elbe, with its ditch system and the surrounding reed beds, wet grassland and woody areas.
Here are the remains of the former tideau forest with white willow, black poplar and ash. The Georgswerder Schleusengraben, which was separated from the tidal activity and the flow dynamics of the Elbe by the main dike line after the storm surge of 1962 in 1964, accounts for around three hectares of the nature reserve.
The lack of tide and flooding has led to an impoverishment of flora and fauna.
Elder, birch and black alder are spreading so that the typical alluvial forest vegetation is developing into swamp forest vegetation.
The connection between the Georgswerder Schleusengraben and the Norderelbe has been via a pumping station since 1994.
The areas north of the Georgswerder Schleusengraben were formerly used as grassland for agriculture.
After the cessation of use in the 1960s, reed beds and tall herb meadows have developed, as well as reed and water vapor stocks on lower-lying areas.
On the banks of the Georgswerder Schleusengraben there are some old silver willows that used to be used as pollard trees.
(Source: Wikipedia)