On the cone-shaped crest of the 708-metre-high Osterkopf near Usseln, there is a nature reserve covering around 30 hectares, which impresses with its species-rich rough grassland and impressive Hochheide area.
Hochheide is found at altitudes from around 600 meters above sea level and differs from the Heid in the North German lowlands due to the presence of cranberries and blueberries as well as special lichens. In addition to a windy, harsh climate, the soil conditions are decisive for the growth of the dwarf shrubs.
The core area of the nature reserve consists of around 8 hectares of dwarf shrub heath-broom grassland complexes. The broom heather unfolds its purple-red flowering splendor from August to September. Other characteristic and noteworthy plant species are lingonberry, bilberry, arnica, German and hairy broom as well as cobweed. Common species in the area are bloodroot, Harz bedstraw, bristlegrass and wiregrass. The rare Iceland moss and various reindeer lichens can be found in the patchy dwarf shrub heath stands.
The diversity of species and the occurrence of Nordic plants make the Hochheide on the Osterkopf unique and exceptional. Intensive maintenance measures are required to preserve this valuable biotope.
The list of breeding birds comprises 43 species, including rare and endangered bird species such as the meadow pipit, tree pipit, red-backed shrike and great grey shrike. Noteworthy is the occurrence of the siskin and the red kite, a regular foraging bird. The northern ring ouzel deserves special mention among the migrants.
With its flower-rich mountain meadows, large areas of heathland, hedges and groups of trees in an exposed location, the Osterkopf is one of the most valuable butterfly biotopes in the district. Of the 73 species recorded, 35 are butterflies alone, including the highly endangered lilac-gold fritillary. Six species of grasshoppers have been recorded so far, with the nightingale grasshopper being particularly common.
Discover this beautiful place, which is also one of the Sauerland-Seelenorte, via the U6 hiking trail