Hilmesberg nature reserve

The Hilmesberg nature reserve with a size of 48.3 hectares is located about 800 m west of Hesborn in the urban area of Hallenberg . It was designated as a nature reserve (NSG) by the Hochsauerlandkreis on September 15, 2004 with the Hallenberg landscape plan. The NSG is part of the European bird sanctuary Medebacher Bucht and the FFH area Liesetal-Hilmesberg (DE 4817-305).

Area description

The NSG includes the three closely spaced peaks of the Hilmesberg with the surrounding slopes. In the west of the NSG there is a narrow strip of mixed beech forest. On the highest crest of the Hilmesberg there is a heather area. In the west the nature reserve borders directly on the nature reserve Liesetal (HSK-042)

Protection purpose

According to the nature reserve designation, the area was designated as a nature reserve in order to contribute to the safeguarding of the ecological network Natura 2000 of the EU in the sense of the Habitats Directive and also to the preservation and development of communities and habitats of wild, partly endangered species, animal and plant species. As with all nature reserves in Germany, the protection designation pointed out that the area became a nature reserve “because of the rarity, special character and beauty of the area”.

Protective measures

From 2005 to 2009 a LIFE project of the European Union ran in the bird sanctuary Medebacher Bucht . The project sponsor on site was the Biological Station Hochsauerlandkreis . At Hilmesberg, spruce areas were removed to make room for a heather development. Some of the cleared areas are grazed with cattle.