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Heath crisis in Halle-Hesingen: Nature conservation is fighting for survival!
The county of Bentheim is investigating the death of heather plants in Halle-Hesingen and is planning regeneration measures.
Heath crisis in Halle-Hesingen: Nature conservation is fighting for survival!
A worrying phenomenon can currently be observed in Halle-Hesingen: many heather plants have died and the view of the normally blooming heath landscapes is dull. This situation is not only causing unrest in the region, but also in the nature conservation area of the Grafschaft Bentheim district. There is great concern for the heathlands, which bloom in all their splendor from August to September, because the extent of the dieback is worrying. The County of Bentheim reports fewer flowering plants than usual.
The causes of the loss of heathlands are currently unclear. Possible suspects, such as beetle infestations or the high temperatures of recent years, could play a role. The authorities want to get to the bottom of the matter in a joint analysis that will accompany the Grafschaft Bentheim-Emsland Süd Ecological Station. Manuela Monzka, head of nature conservation, has already announced targeted measures to regenerate the common heather in the 20 hectare nature reserve.
Regeneration measures and care of the heather
What exactly is being done to make the heathlands bloom again? Typical maintenance measures in the region, which are also used in other nature reserves, include grazing with sheep and goats. In addition, mechanical care of aged heather should not be omitted. Dead plants are thoroughly removed to make room for new seedlings. Despite the alarming situation, the experts have a positive message: the common heather is resilient and can regenerate itself from the seeds in the soil, even if this process can take several years. While concerns are growing in Halle-Hesingen, there are still rays of hope: other heath areas in the county, such as the Itterbecker Heide, have not yet been affected.