The federal government covers almost 90 percent of the costs for ecological revitalization
The moorland pond in Darmstadt's Bürgerpark is to undergo comprehensive ecological restoration. Work will begin in October 2026 and aims to stabilize the critically endangered body of water, which covers approximately 7,000 square meters, in the long term. Plans include dredging, the creation of a new shallow water zone, and the development of additional habitats for amphibians, birds, insects, and fish.
The overall project of the Parks Department runs until the end of February 2029. The federal government is covering a large part of the financing: The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety is funding the measure through the "Action Programme for Natural Climate Protection" with 89.81 percent of the costs.
Oxygen deficiency and siltation are putting a strain on the moorland pond
According to the city, the moorland pond is suffering from acute oxygen depletion and eutrophication. The continuous influx of leaves and branches from the dense shoreline vegetation has led to an increasing buildup of sludge. This sludge consumes oxygen and simultaneously releases the climate-damaging gas methane. Fish deaths have already occurred in the past.
Furthermore, the dense vegetation shields the pond from the wind. This reduces surface disturbance and the natural oxygen supply. High phosphate levels also promote the growth of nutrient-loving algae.
The body of water also offers poor conditions for amphibians. According to the city, steep banks and a lack of shallow water zones have led to the absence of amphibian populations throughout the entire pond area.
New shallow water zone on the west bank
A key component of the restoration is therefore a new shallow water zone on the previously unused western side of the pond. At the same time, the pond will be enlarged accordingly.
The work will require the removal of 13 of the approximately 800 trees surrounding the moorland pond. They either obstruct the planned shallow water zone or, through shading and windbreaks, prevent better oxygenation of the water. According to the city, the plans have been adjusted to preserve a valuable group of willows.
After the dredging, a reed zone is expected to develop along the newly designed shoreline.
“This reed bed acts like a natural sewage treatment plant, filtering out pollutants and nutrients and ensuring long-term water quality,” explains environmental officer Michael Kolmer.
New habitat for amphibians, birds and fish
The reeds are intended to create new habitats. Songbirds and waterfowl can use the areas as resting places, insects will find new living conditions, and amphibians will gain a potential spawning habitat. The shallow water zone will serve as a refuge and nursery for various fish species.
In addition, planting with selected native marsh and aquatic plants is planned to further increase the biodiversity at the moorland pond.
The kingfisher, which is also found in the area, will be taken into account during the redesign. A loamy-sandy cliff with a freshly eroded edge will be created on the quieter western shore, providing the bird with a protected nesting site.
The main work on the watercourse will be carried out within the legally permissible timeframe from October 2026 to February 2027. The entire restoration project will run until the end of February 2029.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
