Geopark Vulkaneifel

Wetlands

Larger wetlands are actually typical of flat lowlands and large river floodplains. In low mountain landscapes they are usually found rarely or only in small areas. Due to the relief, surface water drains away quickly in hilly landscapes.

In the Vulkaneifel there are still some large and ecologically important wetlands. They are often located in maar depressions that are not filled with water, such as in the Dreiser Weiher, the Mosbrucher Weiher or the Kirchweiler Rohr. They can be found in silting up areas of ponds and lakes, such as at the Sangweiher between Udler and Schalkenmehren or at the Jungferweiher near Ulmen. Depending on the location and water supply, the range extends from areas that are waterlogged to permanently wet and springy. Complex landscapes with diverse plant communities can occur.

Flower-filled Vulkaneifel - home to many species

Meadowsweet tall herbaceous meadows alternate with marsh marigold meadows, pipe grass meadows or forest rush swamps. Small and large sedges as well as reedbeds in combination with willow bushes testify to a great diversity of species. Extensive mowing or grazing often maintains diversity. Wetlands are of particular importance as bird habitats. Species such as reed buntings, reed warblers and whinchats breed here. With a bit of luck you can meet snipes, cranes and white storks during migration, and black storks use the small bodies of water as a feeding habitat. Attractive butterflies such as the violet and the edge-ringed fritillary as well as numerous amphibians also use these habitats.