Dellbrücker Heide nature reserve

	Dellbrücker Heide nature reserve IUCN Category IV - Habitat / Species Management Area
	Heide pond in the NSG Dellbrücker Heide (2016)
location	Cologne , North Rhine-Westphalia , Germany
surface	39.07 ha
Identifier	K-011
WDPA ID	389695
Geographical location	50 ° 59 ' N , 7 ° 3' E Coordinates: 50 ° 58 '54 " N , 7 ° 3' 28" E
Sea level	from 37 m to 59 m
Setup date	2009
Framework plan	Landscape plan city of Cologne
administration	Lower landscape authority of the city of Cologne

The 39 hectare nature reserve Dellbrücker Heide (NSG identification K-011) is located in the north of Cologne 's Dellbrück district, not far from the Diepeschrath recreation area and the Höhenfelder See . It is part of the Bergische Heideterrasse . Despite its small area and its location in the immediate urban area, it has a remarkable biodiversity . This also includes nationwide endangered species such as the blue-winged wasteland insect , the sand lizard , the rust-banded butterfly and habitats such as silver grass corridors . In 2009, the city of Cologne recognized the particular protection of this species-rich area and designated the Dellbrücker Heide as a nature reserve.

history

Altan (?) In the NSG Dellbrücker Heide

The Dellbrücker Heide was used for military purposes until 1993. As a result, the open habitat types there such as dwarf shrub heaths and sandy grasslands were preserved and protected from other uses, such as afforestation. The structures that arose from 55 years of military use were demolished in the winter of 2008/2009 by the State Road Construction Agency in North Rhine-Westphalia as part of a compensation measure for the expansion of the Cologne motorway ring.

The Dellbrücker Heide is part of the Bergische Heideterrasse , which today is one of the most biodiverse natural areas in North Rhine-Westphalia .

In order to prevent the extinction of the many animal and plant species that are bound to open habitats, attempts are now being made to simulate natural influences through targeted measures. This includes grazing with goats and sheep as well as the removal of trees and other woody areas in places. The endangered species of natterjack toad , swallowtail , heather , silver grass and mountain sand bells all depend on the Dellbrücker Heide.

Together with the city of Cologne, which owns half of the area, the Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) operates recreational management and nature conservation for the Dellbrücker Heide. At the beginning of 2011, after the designation as a nature reserve, the military installations and paved roads were completely dismantled and the area was renatured for the purpose of nature conservation.