Description
The area was part of an EU LIFE project where non-indigenous spruce plantations have been removed and the meandering course of streams restored until 2014. Since then, the clearcut areas have been developed under natural succession and represent an interesting mosaic of semi-open dry and swampy habitats. The surrounding forest was partially damaged by 2007 windstorm "Kyrill" and thus also contains clearings and semi-open windthrow areas.
Seven species of woodpeckers can be seen and heard along the trail (Желна, Седой дятел, Зелёный дятел, Большой пёстрый дятел, Средний пёстрый дятел, Малый пёстрый дятел and Вертишейка). Other interesting forest birds include Вальдшнеп, Мухоловка-пеструшка, Пеночка-трещотка, Красноголовый королёк, Пухляк, Московка, Хохлатая синица, Клёст-еловик, Деряба and Воробьиный сычик. The semi-open patches provide habitat for Лесной конёк, Обыкновенный жулан, Обыкновенная горлица, Обыкновенный сверчок, Пеночка-весничка, Черноголовый чекан and Обыкновенная овсянка. Ворон and Чёрный аист are visitors. Along the river, Обыкновенный зимородок, Оляпка and Горная трясогузка can be encountered.
Details
Access
There is a car park at Neuhaus. From there use the A7 hiking trail (circular walk of about 7 km, see the map). The trail leads along the river valley which can be best explored by foot.
