Rhee

Summary

The Rhee is situated in the Elbe’s branching area, a landscape originally characterised by tidal activity and river dynamics. Following its separation from the Norderelbe in the 1960s, the character of the Rhee as a pristine floodplain landscape and agricultural foreland has changed considerably. Flooding caused by the tide or storm surges is no longer a regular occurrence. Consequently, the lowering of the groundwater level and the abandonment of agriculture have resulted in the area becoming increasingly wild. Today, a defining feature is the Georgswerder Schleusengraben canal system, the remains of an old arm of the Dove-Elbe, which serves to drain and irrigate the surrounding agricultural land. However, due to its island-like location within an intensively farmed landscape, the Rhee is a significant refuge and stepping-stone habitat. In fact, 182 plant species, 39 bird species, 13 species of dragonfly, 10 species of butterfly, seven species of grasshopper, three species of amphibian and 20 species of snail have been recorded there.

Description

Since people stopped using the land for farming, reed beds and tall herbaceous vegetation have developed on the areas formerly used as grassland. In many parts of the area, species such as nettles and small reed dominate. In the lower-lying areas, dense fringes of common reed and great manna grass grow along the banks of the Georgswerder Schleusengraben. The white willow is the most common tree species here. These are often old, mature pollarded trees, some of which are beginning to fall apart. Characteristic herbaceous species include ground ivy and lesser celandine, the latter of which flowers in spring. The endangered sand leek is also not uncommon. Another endangered plant found here is broad-leaved ragwort, which is characteristic of the Elbe floodplains influenced by tides and still occurs in the reed beds. The bird species found in the Rhee are typical examples of those that depend on water bodies, shrubs and tall herbaceous vegetation. Of particular note is the presence of the kingfisher, which has bred in the area repeatedly in recent years. Among the dragonflies, species that prefer nutrient-rich waters predominate. Endangered dragonfly species present include the emperor dragonfly and the brilliant emerald. Among the amphibians, the common toad, grass frog and smooth newt inhabit the Rhee.