Extensive eco-zones provide a habitat for rare species
Maritime development and ecology are closely interlinked – and nowhere else is this more obvious than on the extensive areas of Luneplate on the southern outskirts of Bremerhaven. This is where bremenports is creating one of the largest substitute sites for port construction in Europe, to compensate for the adverse impact on nature at the Weser estuary caused by the construction of new quay facilities and terminals.
The scenery on the banks of the river is changing: what used to be intensively farmed land is now being converted into a 290-hectare wet grassland zone which is gradually taking shape with ditches, wind turbines and dams. This site will become an attractive habitat and refuge for many – in some cases endangered – species of breeding and resting birds.
Next to this site, the workmen are constructing a 220-hectare new tidal polder with an intricate system of tidal channels. As from 2011, brackish water from the Weser will flow into these artificial channels at every tide. At low tide, most of the polder will dry out again, creating new mudflats and reed beds which will provide a habitat for rare species of fauna and flora.
Along the Wursten coast to the north of Bremerhaven, bremenports is again setting new standards of ecological compensation. The summer dyke, a low earth wall in the foreland of the main dyke, has been opened up at eleven places. Since late summer 2008, the incoming tides of the North Sea flow into two grassland areas, improving the living conditions for many species of seabirds and migrant birds in search of food, breeding and resting places here.
Area: 290 hectares. Arable and grazing land that used to be intensively farmed has been converted into extensive wet grassland for plants and animals (breeding and resting birds). Installation of ditches, wind turbines and dams.
Area: 220 hectares. Construction of an extensive tidal polder with an intricate system of new tidal channels bordered by reeds. Valuable habitats will be created for rare and in many cases endangered species of animals and plants around the mudflats and reed beds.
Construction of a 35-metre wide flood barrier in the dyke. As from 2010, water from the Weser will flow through two 13-metre wide chambers into the tidal polder. The gates will be closed only at extremely high tides or storm tides.
Construction of a tidal pump station to regulate water levels in an area of almost 30 square kilometres in Dedesdorf marsh. Two pumps will enable additional drainage of 5,200 litres per second.
Area: 140 hectares. The environmental engineers are planning diversely structured habitats on an old arm of the Weser with ponds, alluvial trees and shrubs, reed beds and grassland areas (extensive farming).
