The aim of large-scale nature conservation projects (NGP) by the federal government is to establish and secure parts of nature and landscape that are worthy of protection and are of nationally representative importance. With the implementation of the NGP "Senne and Teutoburg Forest" (2008 to 2020), valuable relics of the natural landscape and well-preserved elements of the old cultural landscape in the Senne and in the adjacent Teutoburg Forest were secured, developed and carefully made tangible on an area of around 730 hectares become.
A core element of the project is the grazing of forest areas in the Wistinghauser Senne (Oerlinghausen) and in the Augustdorf dune field (Augustdorf). Extensive forestry measures and the establishment of pasture paddocks initiated a change from dense, non-natural coniferous monocultures to light mixed deciduous forests. The structurally rich forest areas are grazed with Scottish highland cattle and Exmoor ponies. Most of the paddocks are open to visitors all year round.
Source: Biological Station Paderborn - Senne