NSG Enger Bruch

An approximately two-kilometre-long lowland stretches west of Enger. The original wet (quarry) forest here was around 50 m lower than the surrounding landscape. The forest was cleared centuries ago so that grassland could be used for grazing cattle.

The "Enger Bruch" was a "common", i.e. over 80 citizens had the right to send their cattle onto the land, which around 1792 covered around 63.5 hectares. Under Frederick the Great, the commons were abolished and the land was divided up among the independent farmers. The protests against this culminated in the "Revolt of the Women of Enger", when in July 1803 the Prussian surveyors were forcibly expelled from the Bruch by more than 100 armed women of hirelings and farmers. All the protests were of no avail, however; the survey was carried out with police protection and in 1806 the land was divided up.

The observation tower in the nature reserve offers good viewing opportunities - during the migration periods in spring and fall, rare bird guests settle in the quarry. The Enger Bruch is of supra-regional importance as a stepping stone habitat - a resting place for the many migratory birds. Over 185 bird species have been recorded here since 1960, including the conspicuous cranes and many duck species such as teal, garganey and shoveler. There are also ruffs, snipes and wood sandpipers - they love the damp, flooded areas in the quarry.

During the breeding season, water rail, reed bunting, reed warbler, cuckoo and marsh harrier are the main residents of the quarry. Current bird data can be found on the website www.ornitho.de, which was set up by birdwatchers in Enger. A list of all bird species observed can be downloaded at www.bshf.de

Further information: www.fahr-im-kreis.de