Since 2023, FLSK has been supporting the natural idyll of Aschhorner Moor in Lower Saxony with a donation. And we are very proud of what the German Wildlife Foundation has achieved in this climate protection-relevant habitat with our help since then. All we can say is: moor water measuring points. You can find out what this is and why the installation is a reason to celebrate here. Also read what is planned for 2025.
Protects the moor from drying out: Moor water measuring points
Are you already a moor fan? If not, it's about time, because moors are not only beautiful, but also important players in the fight against climate change. In their damp shallows, they bind large amounts of carbon by preserving dead plant remains in the oxygen-poor soil. This means that they decompose very slowly, and the carbon they contain remains bound for centuries or even millennia.
However, this only works if the moor really stays wet. Dried-out moors release large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. This is why the moor water measuring points in the Aschhorn Moor are so important. In our last Moor Loveletter we told you that the German Wildlife Foundation planned and ordered the level probes needed for the measurements. In 2024, 10 fully equipped measuring points were installed across the moor, partly with the help of donations from FLSK.
How water management works in the moor
In recent years, areas of the moor have become too dry. Birch trees have settled there, casting unfavorable shadows on the peat mosses. A vicious circle that leads to more and more dryness and damages the moor in the long term. If, however, the moor has enough water, the birch trees stay away and the peat mosses thank the light by stimulating growth. Everything returns to its natural balance.
The measuring points we support make a very practical contribution to preserving the Aschhorn Moor. Probes are installed at the measuring points that measure the water level and report it wirelessly. This allows the experts to immediately recognize when the moor is no longer sufficiently saturated with water and can take countermeasures.
Measures planned for 2025 in the Aschhorner Moor
This year we are supporting the German Wildlife Foundation in its important work. The following projects are planned
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Butterfly monitoring: Special species of butterflies live in the Jungclausheide, a particularly pristine part of the moor. The monitoring is intended to help record their populations and learn what measures can be taken to protect them.
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Neophyte control: You are probably familiar with the strongly scented Himalayan balsam, which is spreading invasively in some places and affecting natural ecosystems. This herb should be removed from the edge areas of the Aschhorn Moor before it can become a problem.
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Photo monitoring and wildlife cameras: Many shy animals roam the newly created wilderness of the moor. In order not to disturb them, but still to be able to observe them, wildlife cameras will be installed. At other photo points, photo monitoring will regularly take pictures of the surroundings to make slow changes visible.
With our regular reports from the Aschhorner Moor, you have the chance to experience nature conservation right on your doorstep. So please come back and join in the fun!
Find out more about the FLSK Future Fund and the projects we support.
Image sources: GLS Zukunftsstiftung Entwicklung
