Methods of heath management
“Plaggen” (Sod-cutting) – “Schoppern” (Choppering) – Demossing – Heath mowing – Heath burning – Grazing
Heathland must be maintained, otherwise it will disappear. On the next page you will find the variety of maintenance methods currently used by the VNP to remove nutrients from the heathland. The respective costs and machines are also listed.
“Entkusseln” (Scrub clearing)
Some readers may wonder what this actually is and, above all, what it is for.
Since the Lüneburg Heath is a cultural landscape that was created by man, it can only be maintained by man. One of the measures to achieve this is removal of young trees and scrubs (“Entkusseln”).
Emerging pioneer tree species such as pine or birch are removed by hand (with spades or (motorised) saws). If heathland areas are left to themselves, they will develop back into forest in various stages of succession. This process is interrupted, for example, by “Entkusseln”.
In all conservations measures, the VNP ensures that a landscape as diverse as possible can develop with different stages of succession. Because: The more diverse the landscape, the more diverse the flora and fauna of the area.
Holm pond farm
The Holm pond farm is located in the beautiful stream valley of the Weseler Bach. Carp, tench and pike have been farmed in the ponds since 1903. Through the extensive management of the ponds, we obtain a high-quality edible fish and contribute to the preservation of a unique, species-rich cultural landscape.
In spring 2010, the pond area was leased on a long-term basis as the largest pond and wetland habitat in the Lüneburger Heide nature reserve in order to secure its long-term preservation. Carp farming has proven over centuries to be the safest method of preserving the special ecosystem of the ponds.
Summer and winter ponds
The management of carp ponds has become a specialty in Lower Saxony. The ponds do not carry water continuously, but are divided into summer and winter ponds.
The fish ponds are fed by the water of the Weseler Bach stream. The ponds are not fertilised and are limed with lime marl due to the low pH value. Sediment deposits at the bottom of the ponds are cleared out in small areas and used to build dams.
The summer ponds are dammed in spring and stocked with the overwintering fish. In addition, the young fish hatched after the spawning season are released. They remain in the summer pond until the water is drained in autumn, when they are again transferred to the deeper winter ponds, which are in turn drained in spring.
The winter ponds are regularly mown in late summer, as are the dams, and the mown material is removed. They are then dammed for winter storage.
Please note!
In order to protect the sensitive flora and fauna, the Holmer Teiche area is off-limits all year round!
Main fish: carp
Due to the extensive cultivation, in which the fish mainly have to look for their own food, high-quality edible fish grow in the ponds, which are characterised by their firm meat and good taste.
Sales Outlet
Wümme Rind Acker & Wiese UG
Zu den Fischteichen 3
21256 Handeloh
phone: 04187 6572
fax: 04187 7844
email:
Do you have any questions?
Our head of department “Open Land Maintenance and Nature Conservation” Dirk Mertens will be happy to provide you with more information:
phone: 05198 98243-24
email:
