Tannersand und Gierenberg

Nature Reserve

Germany - Niedersachsen

Area: 0.38km²

The “Tannersand and Gierenberg” nature reserve is a small part of the much larger “Osenberge” forest area. The “sand” part of the name “Tannersand” is characteristic for this area, as the undulating relief was created by blown up sand dunes. The exposure of the sand resulted from the deforestation of the landscape in the Middle Ages. Ultimately, the spreading sandy areas threatened agriculture and thus the livelihood of a larger region, so that the area was planted and the sand laid down around 200 years ago, thus preserving the surface structure of that time to this day. The Gierenberg is now the highest elevation there at 23 meters. It is amazing how the varied relief has allowed a wide variety of biotopes to develop in a relatively small area. In this nature reserve, it is possible to go from bone-dry heathland to wet swamp in just a few steps. Alongside the Barneführer Holz nature reserve, “Tannersand und Gierenberg” is one of the natural highlights of the beautiful Osenberge. It is worth taking a look at the treetops, as it is still possible to spot the now rare pine marten here.