Ecological renovation: Mariendorf ponds get urgently needed help!

Ecological renovation: Mariendorf ponds get urgently needed help!

From autumn 2025, important measures for the ecological renovation of the small water bodies Dillgesteich and Kleiner Teich in the Volkspark Mariendorf in Berlin will be implemented. The Roads and Parks Department and the Environment and Nature Conservation Department have recognized that both bodies of water are in poor ecological condition and are suffering from water shortages. Loud berlin.de The natural amount of water is not sufficient to ensure a stable water level.

In order to counteract these problems, a regular supply of water from the flower pond is necessary. In addition, high usage pressure and direct access for park visitors put a strain on the bank vegetation and compact the soil, which further exacerbates the situation. In the current waters, amphibians cannot find a suitable retreat or spawning place because there are only insufficiently developed shallow water areas. Too much foliage and shade from riverside trees lead to mud deposits, which result in a lack of oxygen and an oversupply of nutrients such as algae.

Planned renovation measures

The planned measures to improve the status of water bodies are diverse and are intended to sustainably increase the ecological value of the water bodies. These include, among others:

• Der Ausbau des Grabens zwischen Dillgesteich und Kleinem Teich, inklusive kleiner Mulden zur Sicherstellung des Wasserflusses.
• Einzäunung sensibler Nutzungsbereiche, um geschützte Arten der Flora und Fauna zu wahren.
• Aktive Lenkung der Besucher durch neue Wege, um Überlastungen zu vermeiden.
• Schaffung einer artenreichen Wiese im Umfeld der Gewässer.
• Entwicklung von Rückzugsorten und Laichplätzen für Amphibien durch Anpflanzung von Sträuchern und Einbau von Verstecken.
• Ausbildung von Flachwasserzonen zur besseren Fortpflanzung und Entwicklung von Amphibien.
• Teilweise Entschlammung beider Teiche, um die Wasserqualität zu verbessern.

The need to rehabilitate water bodies is not only felt in Berlin. In other regions, such as Baden-Württemberg, the decline of native amphibians is also recognized as a serious problem. In a current brochure the BUND Baden-Württemberg Practical tips for rehabilitating bodies of water that have become unusable. The collection of tips is intended to help volunteer amphibian conservationists and municipalities implement effective measures to promote the amphibian population.

Important aspects of renaturation

The implementation of the renaturation measures requires professional project management. Like that Federal Environment Agency notes, clearly defined renaturation goals are crucial for success. This includes taking into account different interests and legal requirements. Identifying the causes of the poor ecological status is also of central importance.

An effective project therefore requires not only early communication and participation of all actors, but also good cooperation between different authorities in order to combine ecological and urban development aspects. General funding programs and securing suitable areas are additional key elements in making renaturation successful.

Overall, these measures are a step in the right direction to improve and secure the habitats for amphibians in Berlin and other affected areas in the long term.