Gutmecke and Renau nature reserve

The Gutmecke and Renau nature reserve is a 113.6 hectare nature reserve north of Altastenberg in the urban area of Winterberg . In 2008 the area was designated as an NSG by the Hochsauerlandkreis in the Winterberg landscape plan . Large areas of the nature reserve are located in the much larger FFH area of Hunau, Oberes Negertal, Renautal and Steinberg (DE-4717-301), which makes them part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas . This FFH area continues in the adjacent urban area of Schmallenberg .

description

The NSG includes the sources of the Renau and Gutmecke rivers . The Gutmecke flows into the Renau in the NSG. In addition to the natural streams and their floodplain biotopes, red beech forests and grassland are part of the NSG. The grassland is grazed with cattle . To the north of the NSG is the Neger- and Birautal nature reserve . The two NSG are only separated from the local road from Altastenberg to Siedlinghausen .

Protection purpose

The nature reserve was designated for the preservation and development of the forest and the floodplain as a habitat for endangered animal and plant species. As with other nature reserves in Germany, the protection designation indicated that the area became a nature reserve “because of its scenic beauty and uniqueness”.