Boosting Biodiversity: Sludge Treatment in Stagnant Waters of Rödinghausen

In the picturesque district of Herford, two former fire ponds in Rodinghausen have been brought back to life, thanks to a collaborative effort between the municipality and the district. These renovated ponds now serve as a new habitat for a variety of amphibians, insects, dragonflies, and other small animals.

The second fire pond, located a few hundred meters away from the one in Bursiek, underwent a comprehensive revitalization process. This included the removal of vegetation, dredging, compacting, and the creation of a new shoreline. The landscaping company, Frederik Zynda, was responsible for this work.

Without the funding approval from North Rhine-Westphalia, this restoration project would not have been possible. The total budget for the restoration of the two pond surfaces was around 20,000 euros, with the funding being a co-financing at 70%, and the municipality of Rodinghausen covering the remaining 30%.

Herford District also supported the application for this funding. One such measure, the renovation of an old fish pond in the Bramsche valley, has seen a dragonfly flying over from the old fish pond and inspecting the new pond. However, at the moment, only a little water is visible in the Bramsche valley pond, and the shoreline is still without vegetation, as the excavator only dug out the pond hole a few weeks ago.

The intention behind these renovations was to provide a home for native amphibians and other small animals. The success of this effort can be seen in the old fire pond in Bursiek, where signs of a common frog have been spotted.

The drying out of these ponds does not pose a problem for amphibians as it protects them from predators like fish. Most other pond inhabitants are also adapted to drying out or freezing.

This project is part of a larger initiative in the district, with several such measures on still waters. For instance, another pond has been newly created in the Bramsche valley, adding to the biodiversity of the region.

Timo Schubert from the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of Herford District, Anne Ledendecker, and Andreas Dornhofer from the municipality of Rodinghausen visited the old fire pond to assess the progress and ensure the project aligns with conservation efforts.

These renovated fire ponds in Rodinghausen are a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment to preserving and enhancing local ecosystems.