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In the course of the construction work, some water areas will be cleared of the surrounding woody plants in order to create an open floodplain landscape. In order to compensate for the loss of these wooded areas, compensatory planting with willows and other typical species was carried out in another part of the area.

Compensatory area near the large excavation lake (Photo: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

The construction machines leave, the feathered winter guests arrive. Construction noise is replaced by the chatter of arctic geese. Mid November this year's construction work within the framework of the LIFE project "Wetland Emmericher Ward" was completed.

Now the Emmericher Ward, which is part of the internationally important Lower Rhine Wetland, belongs entirely to the birds, which have their resting and grazing areas here.

It was an eventful year: after a late flood in spring actions had to wait until the area was finally dry enough to drive on. First thing that happened was the arrival of the explosive ordnance disposal service. Their search for remnants of the World War was successful: several bombs were found, two of which could not be defused but were detonated in a controlled manner.

When the actual construction work started, the restoration of flood depressions and small water bodies revealed underground fortifications that probably date back to the early modern period (ca. end of the 15th - end of the 18th century) and first had to be investigated by archaeologists.

But what has lasted a long time - and has always been exciting - is finally becoming good! This year's construction work is done:

- Flood depressions and small water bodies have been desilted and restored. They are not only important amphibian spawning grounds, but also an indispensable food source for the chicks of the meadow birds that breed here in spring.

- In order to be able to keep the water in the area for a longer time period after flooding, ditch dams were set. In this way, the wetland character of the Emmericher Ward is further strengthened and the ecological importance of this nature reserve is preserved.

After the end oft he next breeding season around July 2023 the second contruction phase will focus on the construction of the polder control system and the creation of the remaining water bodies.

Impressions from 2022: Construction work, ditch with installed weir, restored tidal pool (Photos: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

Perfect weather and good mood on Saturday 27.08.22 in the Emmerich Ward at the kick-off party for the construction work. State Minister for Environment of Northrhine Westfalia Oliver Krischer, 1st Deputy District Representative Stefan Welberts and the Mayor of Emmerich Peter Hinze together with our CEO Dietrich Cerff shovel hard at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project.

In addition to the VIPs, we were very pleased about the presence of the citizens of Hüthum, local farmers, and the participating companies BCE and Ecosoil. Many other interested people, young and old, could get a first impression of the area and what we are trying to achieve with our measures.

The highly frequented excursion with project manager Klaus Markgraf-Maué was also a wonderful opportunity to take a look at the nature reserve – at the moment still without getting wet feet – something we try to revise with our mesurements. We hope that the construction work will improve the connection between the wetland and the Rhine and keep the area wet for longer.

Everything is ready to begin the construction work (Photo: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

Impressions of the event (Photos: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

Excursion to the measurement sites (Photo: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

Meeting at nose level (Photo: NABU-Naturschutzstation)

The preparations were completed in mid-July but still no digger is rolling through the area. How is this possible? The day for the start of construction on August 1st came and went because the area had not yet been officially declared as clear by the public order office and district government. We are waiting in the wings to begin work immediately because the available time frame until October is very short. At the moment, two hearts are beating in our chest: the biologist is desperate for rain when he sees the withered meadows during this time of drought, but the builder also knows that rain would make the construction work even more difficult. So in any case: keep calm and keep on smiling.

greylag goose (Michael Schmolz)

To ensure that the construction work could be carried out safely, the area was searched for explosive ordnance in advance. It is known that the area was heavily bombed during World War 2. The ordnance disposal service was able to clear the area, they even had to blow up two bombs because they could not be defused otherwise. Now the area can finally be declared safe and construction work can begin. In this context, a big thank you also goes to the Emmerich Fire Department and the affected farmers for their cooperation and support!

Apart from explosives there was a lot of metal hidden in the ground. Photo: NABU-Naturschutzstation Niederrhein

Something is happening in the Emmericher Ward! Plants were cut back and the area was searched for explosive ordnance – all in preparation for the extensive construction work starting this summer. Silted-up oxbow lakes and flood depressions are to be restored and water will be retained with weirs.

The NABU-Naturschutzstation Niederrhein as project sponsor invites all interested people to a festive kick-off to celebrate the start of the two-year period of construction.

The guests can expect
- a reception
- information about the project and the nature reserve
- an excursion and guided tour of the construction site in the nature reserve
- a colorful family program including a photo exhibition "Auen Leben" and a children's program "AuenforscherInnen

Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 4 p.m.

Place: Hüthum hikers' hut, on the edge of the Emmericher Ward NSG, Runde Straße, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein.

Arrival: By bicycle if possible. (There is limited parking for cars).

All measures are carried out within the framework of the LIFE project "Wetland Emmericher Ward", which is financed by the European Union and the state of NRW.