The Raader forest contains, among other things, the Europe-wide (!) protected assets "oak-hornbeam forest", as well as "poor flatland hay meadows" and "near-natural dry limestone grassland" according to the European fauna-flora habitat directive.
Its mosaic composition and abundant deadwood is the basis for a great diversity of plant and animal species (currently over 2000 known species), including many rare and endangered species. Dense thorny undergrowth and sparse tree zones, inner meadows and long forest edges form an outstanding biotope community rich in species in this forest.
But the Raader Forest is not just home to traditional habitats. It is also a wintering area for a number of rare animal species, it is also a hunting ground and thus a source of food for birds and large insects from the area. And it is also a resting place for migratory birds and (young) animals that are looking for new habitats - the latter function also upgrades the Raader Forest as an important "stepping stone biotope".