Westrup heathland
On sandy paths through the Westruper Heide
The Westruper Heide is a remnant of a type of landscape that was widespread in earlier centuries and is located on a post-glacial dune area south of the Haltern reservoir (behind the Hotel Seehof), on the edge of the extensive forests of the Haard.
It is home to a variety of characteristic plant and animal species. In addition to heather, the small, spiky, yellow-flowering English broom and bell heather grow here, for example
Impressions
In 1825, 90 % of today's "Haard" forest area was still covered with heathland. Around 1840, old Ordnance Survey maps of Haltern show around 50 - 60 % of the land around Haltern as heathland, which was used by poor heathland farmers as grazing land for their sheep.
Geologically, the Westruper Heide nature reserve consists of nutrient-poor sands of varying grain sizes with post-glacial dune drifts up to 15 m high.
The invention of artificial fertilizers and the fall in the price of sheep's wool in particular changed the lives of the heathland farmers dramatically. The use of sandy soils, which had previously been characterized by a lack of nutrients, suddenly led to a considerable increase in yields. Heather mowing and plaggen farming sank to insignificance within a few years. Without these cultural measures (ploughing, grazing, mowing and burning), which ensure the recurring rejuvenation of the heathland, a heathland can only live for a maximum of 30 years.
There is a signposted system of paths in the heath, including a designated barrier-free path.
The best way to find the world's smallest heath museum is to use the Stockwieser Damm parking lot and enter the heath from there.
Cycling is neither possible nor permitted in the heath; a ranger watches over the area during the summer months.
On request, the city agency/tourist information office can also organize guided tours with an expert guide through this fascinating old cultural landscape.
Westruper Heide | Map
Good to know!
The Westruper Heide is the last accessible large dwarf shrub heath in Westphalia. With a total size of 68 ha, this interesting inland dune area is located in the Hohe Mark Nature Park. A country road separates two smaller areas of insignificant size from the overall area. Old stands of birch and pine line the entire boundary.
The area was designated a nature reserve in 1936 on the initiative of the then District Commissioner for Nature Conservation in the area of the Ruhr Coal District of Essen - Borbeck.
Extensive recultivation and maintenance measures by various associations and groups under the direction of the State Institute for Ecology and the lower landscape authority of the district of Recklinghausen ensure that the heathland is preserved. Thanks to the initiative and cooperation of the Sythen local heritage association, heather sheep have been allowed to graze here again since 1992.
In addition to its scenic and aesthetic value, this very rare type of heathland should also be preserved for reasons of species protection. It has become a refuge for many animal and plant species.
This unique landscape is attractive at any time of year. The heath is best explored on foot. A network of sandy paths over 10 km long offers a variety of walks.
From the end of July to the beginning of September, the heather is in full bloom. You can stroll through a sea of red flowers and hear the buzzing of bees and the ornamental peeping of grasshoppers.
Every two years, the Sythen local history association organizes a heather day in August with the support of the district of Recklinghausen and the town of Haltern am See. The Heidefreunde celebrate with music, goulash cannons, heather honey and a wide range of cakes and look forward to welcoming many guests.
Address for the navigation system: Hullerner Straße 102, 45721 Haltern am See (Seehof)
