Check Out the Revolutionary Nature Trail at Lake Bockwitz!
A newly established pathway for nature enthusiasts is now available at Lake Bockwitz. - New path inaugurated around Lake Bockwitzer for nature lovers
Want a unique learning experience? Head on over to Lake Bockwitz and explore the nature trail! Once a coal mining location, this area now serves as a nature reserve for the grazing of water buffalo, Konik horses, Taurus cattle, and Burenziegoats. The nature trail features three different circular routes, with a maximum length of 13 kilometers, according to the State Foundation for Nature and the Environment. Useful information boards are scattered throughout the trail, providing eye-catching visuals and concise explanations about eco-friendly grazing practices.
The design and construction of the nature trail were carried out by experts from the Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment, with the aim of preserving the rich, open landscapes in Bockwitz – home to numerous rare species, many of which are on the red lists of endangered species. Due to the absence of natural large herbivores in the area, maintaining these open spaces is essential to prevent shrub overgrowth and protect biodiversity.
In this nature reserve, a variety of animals are used for controlled, year-round grazing, including Konik horses, Taurus cattle, goats, sheep, and, most recently, water buffalo. This continual grazing not only maintains the habitats of other creatures but also creates favorable conditions for species associated with open landscapes.
Once an open-cast coal mine, the land around Lake Bockwitz underwent a remarkable transformation after its closure. The landscape was converted into a nature reserve and left to its own devices. The Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment acquired approximately 475 hectares of this area in 2001, ensuring its long-term preservation.
The result? A diverse array of biotope types has developed in Bockwitz, providing a thriving environment for numerous animal and plant species. In addition, the nature reserve offers a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 180 avian species found in the area, including fish eagles, great bitterns, and cranes. One-third of the nature reserve consists of waters, acting as a haven for the common toad, frog, and newt species.
Boosting Biodiversity with Conservation Grazing
This innovative approach to nature conservation – known as conservation grazing – is making a significant impact on Lake Bockwitz and similar nature reserves. By allowing animals like Konik horses, Taurus cattle, and water buffalo to roam freely, we can help maintain diverse habitats essential for a wide range of species. Grazing animals prevent overgrowth, provide a wealth of microhabitats through their manure, and contribute to overall soil health. Additionally, grazing animals support ecological connectivity by maintaining open spaces that allow different species to interact and migrate more freely.
References
- Nature Conservation
- Water Buffalo
- Cattle
- Environment
- Brown Coal
- Horses
- The State Foundation for Nature and the Environment, with expertise in environmental science, designed and constructed the nature trail at Lake Bockwitz, focusing on creating a healthy and biodiverse environment through conservation grazing practices, which includes the use of horses, Konik horses, Taurus cattle, sheep, goats, and water buffalo for continual grazing.
- To support personal wellness and overall health-and-wellness, visitors to the nature trail can engage in fitness-and-exercise while learning about scientific concepts related to the environment, such as the importance of conservation grazing and eco-friendly grazing practices, as well as the role of large herbivores in maintaining diverse habitats and preventing shrub overgrowth to protect biodiversity.
