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Description
Historically, the area used to be a very large lake, ranging over 12 km from Aschersleben to Gatersleben. After draining in the 18th century it stayed to be wetlands, called "Seeländereien", and was used for peat-cutting. Agricultural use of the area was of little avail as the place remained too wet. The area is also used for open-pit brown coal mining and the subsequent flooding of the holes also supported waterlogging of the area. The forested waste dump of the coal mining can be seen to the west of the wetlands.
Nowadays it is a swampy wetland with reedbeds, shallow water and dead trees. It is a great place to see many reedbed species, ducks and waders and has new excellent birdwatching hides. The road and the surrounding fields may be flooded, too, especially in spring; so make sure to check the surrounding fields for waders.
The wetlands has many territories of Savi's Warbler and is a stronghold for Great Bittern and Bluethroat in Saxony-Anhalt. Great Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Bearded Tit are also common. Western Marsh Harrier and European Turtle Dove breed here and European Bee-eater visit the place for hunting insects. A Pygmy Cormorant visited the place for a very long time on a regular basis.
Spring is a good time for waders and ducks. Northern Lapwing and Wood Sandpiper are the most common waders; rarities included Marsh Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper and Black-winged Stilt. The most common rail is Water Rail, but Little Crake and Spotted Crake have also been recorded.
In winter it is still possible to see Bearded Tit, Reed Bunting and Common Crane. Other regular sights are Great Grey Shrike and Water Pipit.
As the place has very shallow water it might dry up temporarily. Ducks and waders will then leave the place but other bird species are still there to watch. On the other hand it can easily be flooded, especially in spring, when the roads are slippery and sinkholes may appear.
Details
Access
It is easy to get there by train. From, e.g. Halle (Saale), Magdeburg or Goslar, take the train to Frose. From the train station it is 1,5 km to the wetlands; you can either cycle or walk (20 minutes). If you arrive by car, please use the car park (max. 3 cars) next to the road; see P on the map or click on it to get directions.