Black Water and Diersfordt Forest

In the far west near Wesel, in the middle of one of the oldest protected areas of the NaturparkIn the Hohe Mark lies the mysterious Large heathland ponds – also known as the Black WaterNo stream, no tributary – only rainwater fills this pond, whose dark color comes from the humic substances of the moorland vegetation. A pond like a small natural wonder, which needs fresh air and wind so that waves form and the silting process is stopped.

In recent years, the northern shore has been cleared of pine trees, which don't really belong there. Now heathland is spreading again, and rare riparian plants like the delicate frogbit are finding a home. Suddenly everything seems open, airy, and vibrant again – a place where you simply want to stop and let your gaze wander across the dark water.

But the Black Water is just the beginning. Forests stretch all around, reaching as far as the Diersfordt Forest , a popular destination for nature lovers and walkers. On the barren, acidic soils, mighty oaks should have reigned supreme – but past overexploitation, pine plantations, and the so-called "forest plague" of the late-flowering bird cherry have put them under pressure. Those who look closely, however, will still discover magnificent stands of pedunculate oaks, interspersed with mighty old trees – silent witnesses to the former practice of grazing.