Die Gohrischheide
Please note: This page was machine-translated. If anything is unclear, the German version is authoritative.
Die Gohrischheide – a forest island
The two-part nature reserve Gohrischheide and Elbniederterrasse Zeithain (NSG) was established in 1993 in an uninhabited, 28.5 km² forest area. It is located between the towns of Riesa, Gröditz, and Mühlberg/Elbe. Protected areas of this size are rare in Germany and are extremely important for species that are sensitive to disturbance due to their unbroken nature and tranquility.
The vastness and diversity of the NSG offer special nature experiences. Take advantage of the bus tours organized by the NSG administration or the designated, marked visitor trails.
The nature reserve covers four-fifths of the Fauna-Flora Habitat area of the same name. It preserves habitats such as dry European heaths and inland dunes with open grasslands. Its reforestation has led to the growth of acidic oak forests on sandy plains, among other things. The barbastelle bat and the wolf enjoy European protection here.
The protected area includes two-thirds of the 33.62 km² EU bird sanctuary Gohrischheide. Breeding birds here include around 25 species listed in Annex I, as well as species threatened with extinction and critically endangered in Saxony, such as the hobby, corn bunting, great grey shrike, hoopoe, wryneck, woodlark, barred warbler, and nightjar.
Text: Cornelia Schlegel
Photo "Heidebild": Dr. Peter Kneis
Other phots: Dirk Synatzschke