Elberndorftal - Elberndorf Valley northwest of Erndtebrück

The valley of the Elberndorf stream is a prime example for how nature – with the support of humans – can reclaim habitats that had almost been lost. A few years ago, Spruce plantations dominated the valley because the grassland had become unprofitable for the farmers, who therefore planted Spruce trees even in the swampy and wet areas. Many of the areas valuable for nature conservation have now been freed of conifers, so that the forest meadow valley is again characterized by nutrient-poor mountain hay meadows, Mat-Grass areas, extremely rare transitional moors and quaking bogs and young Downy Birch swamp forests.

In the moor areas and boggy meadows, you can find numerous plant species adapted to marshy conditions, including Marsh Violet, Marsh Cinquefoil, Bog Bean and two different Cotton Grass species, while the Bog Arum can be found in the siltation zone of a pond.

The banks of the stream are adorned with the blue-flowers of the poisonous Monkshood, and are home to rare insects like the Marsh Grasshopper, Scarce Copper Butterfly and Beautiful Demoiselle. Stream inhabitants like Kingfisher, Bullhead and Brook Lamprey also find ideal habitats here.