Intact, near-natural floodplains have a variety of functions:
They are a habitat for plants and animals, a place of leisure and recreation for people, a supplier of drinking water and they form natural flood retention areas. The value of this landscape for humans also lies in its diversity.
Water habitat
Low mountain range streams such as the Möhne with its gravelly substrate are typical habitats of brown trout, bullhead, brook lamprey and minnow. Environmental factors such as velocity of flow influence this habitat. When flow is fast, oxygen levels are higher, temperature is lower, and sediment is redeposited. In areas of lower flow, such as behind a tree that has fallen into the water, fine sediment can accumulate. This structural richness is a basis for the biodiversity in the water body.
Forest habitat
Riparian forests are adapted to the constant fluctuations of water levels. In mountainous and hilly areas, they are usually composed of ash, black alder and willow. On rivers at lower elevations, they are usually composed of softwood species such as silver willow, which can tolerate prolonged flooding. In both cases, the roots of riparian trees stabilize the water's edge and allow other plants to colonize. Their leaves provide food for leaf decomposing organisms in the water body- the beginning of food chains.
Meadow habitat
Meadows are among the most species-rich biotopes in the Möhnetal. They are an essential part of our cultural landscape and were created by human use. Extensive cultivation is necessary to preserve the colorful diversity, otherwise the areas would become overgrown and eventually turn into forests. The large occurrence of meadow knotweed, which is absent from intensively managed areas, is impressive. The flowers of fever clover, narrow-leaved cotton grass, and peat mosses characterize particular sites. At some transitions to the adjacent Arnsberg forest, moist bristly grass lawns with forest lousewort and crosswort have been preserved.
LIFE + Möhneauen
A chance for the Möhne
From 2010 to 2016, the district of Soest, together with its project partners, worked to make the Möhne worth living and experiencing again.
Eventful years lie behind the project team and many people have contributed to the success of the project.
The results are impressive.