Easy hikes and walks in Böckwitz-Jahrstedter Drömling

This landscape is particularly valuable because it combines open meadow areas with individual trees and groups of shrubs. This creates a mosaic of habitats that benefits many animal species – especially insects, ground-nesting birds, and birds like the red-backed shrike. When you are out and about there, it is worth paying attention to the transitions between open grassland and wooded areas: It is precisely there that biodiversity is usually highest. You can often also recognise traces of extensive grazing – it ensures that the area does not become overgrown and remains permanently open.

At first glance, the Drömling appears almost "flat and inconspicuous", but it is hydrologically very special. The area is crisscrossed by a dense network of ditches, canals, and drainage structures. These were originally created to make the swamps partially usable. Nevertheless, a large part of the typical wetland structure has been preserved.

The Steimker Graben habitat island in Wolfsburg is a beautiful example of how nature can be preserved and enhanced in the middle of residential areas. A species-rich habitat has developed along the ditch, offering protection and food for insects, birds, and small animals.

In the southern Drömling near Buchhorst, it is worth taking a look along the ditches and meadows towards the pumping station – there are several white stork nests there, which are well integrated into the typical wetland landscape with canals and grassland. Especially in the morning or late afternoon, the storks can often be observed there searching for food as they commute between the nests and the meadows.

You should manage a "wet meadow" habitat island as extensively and undisturbed as possible. This means: mowing rarely (e.g. 1-2 times a year) and using as little fertilizer or pesticides as possible, so that typical plants such as marsh marigold or meadowsweet can grow. It is also important that small retreat areas are always left behind so that insects and amphibians can live there permanently.

In the Drömling Biosphere Reserve, the most important protective factor is a very high groundwater level and late, extensive use. If wet meadows there are mown too early or too often, typical species such as ground-nesting birds and rare marsh plants quickly disappear.

The Steimker Graben is a quiet "island of life" – ideal for a short walk and nature observation right in the middle of the city. Quick tip: Definitely stay on the paths and keep some distance from the bank and meadow areas. Many small biotopes have developed there, where birds, insects, and amphibians should remain undisturbed. It is particularly beautiful and quiet in the early morning or late afternoon.

The boardwalk in the Drömling is ideal for experiencing the typical moor and meadow landscape up close without having to walk through the damp terrain yourself. A short tip: It's best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, then it's quieter and the chances are good to see wild animals or rare birds. In summer, take insect repellent with you – in the damp areas of the Drömling, it can quickly become "lively". Sturdy footwear is usually sufficient, the boardwalk itself is easy to walk on and also suitable for relaxed strolls.