Allermöher Wiesen (meadows)

Summary

The Allermöher Meadows cover an area of 106 hectares. This area is characterised by grassland and open wet meadows and provides an ideal habitat for bird species that have become rare, such as the lapwing, the black-tailed godwit and the redshank.

Description

This nature reserve closes the gap between the nature reserves ‘Die Reit’ and ‘Boberger Niederung’, thus securing an important biotope network in the east of Hamburg. It comprises both grassland and dry habitats. The largely open grassland, criss-crossed by ditches, covers 88 hectares and makes up the majority of the area, which is characterised by meadows and cattle pastures. Pumps and weirs ensure a higher water level here. Meadow birds such as black-tailed godwits, redshanks, lapwings and common snipes find ideal living conditions here. These are among the most endangered bird species in Germany; the black-tailed godwit is even considered ‘threatened with extinction’ in Hamburg and throughout Germany. The ditches are also home to rare amphibians such as the moor frog. Many plant species that are specifically adapted to dry habitats grow on the former railway embankment, such as the rare Carthusian pink.