- Free admission
Glockengrund Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve/Natural Landmark
Flower-rich calcareous grasslands, juniper, hedgerows, and small woodlands characterize the Glockengrund Nature Reserve west of Udorf. On the dry, calcareous soils of the Marsberg Plateau, an exceptionally species-rich habitat has been preserved, which ranks among the most valuable remnants of the historic pasture landscape in the Marsberg region.
Address
Glockengrund Nature Reserve
Glockengrund
34431 Marsberg
Telephone: +49 2991 / 908136
Properties:
The Glockengrund valley, which runs from west to east, is characterized by steep slopes and open hilltops. Species-rich calcareous grasslands thrive especially in the western section, while the eastern part features a varied mosaic of meadows, Weides, shrubbery, and small wooded areas. A large stand of juniper and a small, abandoned quarry add to the landscape’s diversity.
This unique landscape is closely tied to its history: for centuries, the land was primarily grazed by sheep and goats. Even today, a shepherd from Udorf keeps this tradition alive. His flock of sheep and goats helps ensure that the valuable nutrient-poor grasslands remain open and that their characteristic flora is preserved.
In spring and summer, the Glockengrund is particularly colorful. Broad-leaved thyme, primroses, small meadow knapweed, bellflowers, scabious, and many other wildflowers create a varied landscape. The numerous hedges and shrubs also serve as important refuges and breeding grounds for rare bird species such as the red-backed shrike and the yellowhammer.
The Glockengrund is part of the Glockengrund, Glockenrücken, and Hummelgrund FFH area and, since 2023, has also been part of the Diemel and Hoppecketal Bird Sanctuary along with the adjacent forests. Together with the adjacent protected areas, it preserves a historic cultural landscape that is unique to the Hochsauerland district.
This unique landscape is closely tied to its history: for centuries, the land was primarily grazed by sheep and goats. Even today, a shepherd from Udorf keeps this tradition alive. His flock of sheep and goats helps ensure that the valuable nutrient-poor grasslands remain open and that their characteristic flora is preserved.
In spring and summer, the Glockengrund is particularly colorful. Broad-leaved thyme, primroses, small meadow knapweed, bellflowers, scabious, and many other wildflowers create a varied landscape. The numerous hedges and shrubs also serve as important refuges and breeding grounds for rare bird species such as the red-backed shrike and the yellowhammer.
The Glockengrund is part of the Glockengrund, Glockenrücken, and Hummelgrund FFH area and, since 2023, has also been part of the Diemel and Hoppecketal Bird Sanctuary along with the adjacent forests. Together with the adjacent protected areas, it preserves a historic cultural landscape that is unique to the Hochsauerland district.
