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)
