A break for bird protection: Nele Waltering on Norderoog

A break for bird protection: Nele Waltering on Norderoog

In the untouched expansion of the Wadden Sea, there are blocked urine, which are only devoted to the protection of birds. Nele Waltering (28) lives and works on one of these Halligen, a committed bird attendant who originally comes from Aachen and studies environmental engineering at the University of Rostock.

nele has decided to live on Norderoog for a few months, a small Hallig that is only about nine hectares in size. Since April she has been busy where nature can develop undisturbed, far from tourist activities and everyday stress. During her time at Hallig, she gains experiences and impressions that not only enrich her academic career, but also give her valuable insights into nature conservation.

Habitat for sea and coastal birds

One of the main goals from Norderoog is the protection of the naval and coastal birds nesting there. The Nature Conservation Association Jordsand, to which Hallig has belonged since 1909, enables this protection through strict access restrictions for visitors. Only outside of the breeding season, i.e. if the birds are not busy with the nest building and the rearing of their young, can visitor groups enter the Hallig under certain conditions.

nele has the task of counting the different types of birds that are regularly on the Hallig. These counts are important for scientific documentation and protection of bird populations. In this way, it not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, but also helps to identify potential changes in the bird stocks early.

The Halligen in the German Wadden Sea, like Norderoog, are not unique. Other smaller islands, for example in the Hamburg Wadden Sea with the bird island of Scharhörn or in the Wadden Sea in Lower Saxony with the bird island, are also important habitats for many birds. While the coastal parts of the North and Baltic Sea are flooded by tourists during the summer months, these protected islands keep a completely different, quiet charm.

norderoog and other similar islands are true retreat areas for many bird species. On Langenwerder in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which has been designated as a bird sanctuary since 1910, thousands of seabirds brood on an area of ​​around 22 hectares. These bird islands play an important role in the ecosystem and are essential for the preservation of biological diversity in the region.

a personal retreat

nele Waltering not only finds a job on Norderoog, but a retreat. The seclusion of the Hallig allows her to prepare for her upcoming master's thesis in peace and at the same time to live her passion for nature. While she is watching the birds and making her counts, she also has the opportunity to enjoy the little joys of life on the Hallig.

This phase of her life is more than just a job for Nele - it is a unique phase of life. She feels connected in nature and appreciates the calm and peace that the Hallig offers. Your work as a bird attendant is not only an obligation to protect nature, but also a personal journey that enriches her with unique experiences.

Norderoog is another example of the continuous use of nature conservation in Germany. The importance of such protected areas cannot be assessed high enough. They serve as a foundation for the protection of biodiversity and underline the need to preserve such retreats for the wildlife.

Habitat Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is a fascinating ecosystem that is not only for bird world, but also for many other types of flora and fauna. The protection of these special areas shows how important it is to preserve the natural balance in our environment and to support people like Nele Waltering who are committed to nature conservation. After all, such operations are crucial to maintain our flora and fauna for future generations.

Norderoog is not only a retreat for birds, but also plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Wadden Sea. As one of the few untouched islands in the region, Norderoog offers living space for different bird species, many of which are threatened or are on the red list of endangered species. These include the oyster fisherman and the brand goose, both of whom are sensitive to disorders in their breeding areas.

The bird keeper, such as Nele Waltering, not only monitors the bird population, but also receives the flora of the island, which is of essential importance for the existing ecosystem. A sustainable handling of natural resources is promoted on Norderoog, which is also expressed in the training of nature leaders and the education of visitors about the importance of nature conservation.

nature and species protection in the region

The nature conservation initiatives that affect Norderoog are part of a larger network in protected areas in northern Germany, which aims to preserve the sensitive ecosystems of the coastal regions. The Bird Protection and Nature Conservation Association Jordsand, which manages the Hallig Norderoog, is actively committed to protecting habitats not only on the island itself, but also in adjacent seas and landscapes.

An example of the successful environmental protection policy shows the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. The national park has contributed significantly to the restoration and maintenance of the coastal ecosystems. Similar protective measures have also been implemented on other bird islands in the North and Baltic Sea to secure the brood and rest areas of the seabirds and to counter the negative effects of tourism.

The importance of education and research

Another central aspect of nature and bird protection on Norderoog is the role of science and education. Universities and research institutes often cooperate with nature conservation associations to collect data and to conduct studies on the behavior and way of life of birds in their natural habitat. Such research projects are important in order to make sound decisions to protect biodiversity.

In recent years, numerous students, such as Nele Waltering, have completed internships on Norderoog to gain practical experience in the field of nature conservation. This exchange between theory and practice not only promotes awareness of nature conservation, but also forms a basis for future specialists who want to work for the preservation of nature.

Overall, the example of Norderoog shows how important it is to protect untouched nature and at the same time promote education and research. These initiatives contribute to preserving biodiversity in the region and enabling a harmonious coexistence of people and nature.