Aims of the project
The Lippe floodplain landscape east of Hamm is the home of rare biotopes, animal- and plant species, an important element of the European natural heritage. In this area the Lippe meanders naturally, old river channels and little streams are still existent in the floodplain.
photo: Hans Blossey
However, some improvements still need to be made in this special protection area. Some of the problems in the special protection area have been around for a long time, whereas others are of a recent nature. Consequently, the Lippe was artificially enlarged, in parts highly narrowed, in other stretches straightened and reinforced. In the meadows drainage, channels were built. A natural flood-control via the water- retention capacity of the floodplain, which is vital for an intact river-floodplain-system with a rich animal- and plant habitat, can be only partly guaranteed.
photo: Lippeverband
The most important aim of the LIFE-Project was not only the preservation of the floodplain landscape, animal and plant species, but to assist in their progressive development.
Important milestones of the LIFE project (project period from 2005 till 2010) were:
- Adjusting the water balance to nature-orientated conditions of the Lippe and it tributaries (for example by removing bank reinforcements: opening of embankments on the river, rechanging of straightenings, building of flood-basins, restoration of ecological free passages etc.)
- Increase of the frequency of flooding
- Restoration of an ecologically free passage along the Lippe
- New installation of standing water bodies, shallow ponds, which only temporarily hold water, and lakes
- Founding of new alluvial woodlands by initial planting and self propagation
- More natural re-wetting of hayfields and meadow lands
- Changing to less intensive farming methods
- Ensuring good public relations combined with a reduction of disturbing factors
In order to achieve the aims, a varied range of actions and measures were introduced.