High Fläming Nature Park

Brennereiweg 45 14823 Rabenstein / Flaming

The Hoher Flaming is with its 827 km ² in the state of Brandenburg, the third largest major reserve. The High Flaming was declared on 28 November 1997 by announcement of the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Planning for Natural Park. Support of the Natural Park is the state of Brandenburg.

• 3.1 Castles
• 3.2 Historic town centers and vibrant villages
• 3.3 stone churches
• 3.4 high art, country fläming
• 3.5 Theatre and Concerts

• 4.1 Tourism 4.1.1 Fixed
• 4.1.2 Kitchen

• 6.1 Nature Park Administration
• 6.2 Nature Park Club Flaming eV
• 6.3 Naturwacht
• 6.4 Local Action Group flaming- Havel e.V.

Location and Transport

The nature park is located in the district of Potsdam- agent Mark in the southwest of the federal state of Brandenburg and is adjacent to the 2005 declared Natural Park flaming in Saxony -Anhalt. Although important places in the natural park are Bad Belzig, Wiesenburg / Mark and Görzke, Brück, Niemegk and Ziesar lie with her outside the center of the nature park, part of the municipality as the jumper villages Baitz and Gömnigk rich but into the nature reserve.

The Nature Park has a very good transport links: it is south of the A 2 motorway (Berlin -Hannover ) ( connection points Ziesar (76) Wolin (77 ), Brandenburg (78 ) ) and to the west in large parts of the motorway ( A 9 ) (Berlin -Leipzig ) located. This leads through the nature park ( junctions Klein Marzehns and Niemegk ). Furthermore, through the Natural Park Regional Bahn Berlin - Belzig -Dessau ( Wetzlar train) and the federal highways 102, 107 and 246 North runs the main road east 1 and State Road 2

Nature

Landscape

The nature park is divided into two parts: In the south, hilly and wooded landscape of the High Flaming and in the north the flat lowlands Belziger countryside meadows. The more than 140,000 -year-old heights of Flämings still belong to the Altmoränen the Saale glaciation. During the further north part of Brandenburg in the recent Weichseleiszeit ( 10000-115000 ago) once again was covered by ice, the High Flaming remained ice-free. The lowlands Belziger countryside meadows, however, owe their origin to the melting waters of the Vistula glacier. They are thus already part of the Jungmoränen landscape.

The natural park area is about half wooded and half is agricultural. Typical is the constant change of forest and field. In some places, you meet the original Buchenwald. Lakes and other open water - apart from a few kettle holes and ponds in meadow castle - there are hardly any. However, there is the natural park numerous streams, which are among the cleanest in Brandenburg and as nature conservation are very valuable.

With the so-called Rummeln, a form of dry valleys, has the High Flaming on a geological and botanical specialty.

For geological and morphological construction and to hydrography and climate also see the detailed information in the main article flaming.

Animals and Plants

The flaming is rich in game ( fallow deer, red deer, raccoon dog and the European mouflon ). Among the most notable species in Nature Park include the black stork, the noctule, a Waldfledermausart, and the middle spotted woodpecker, the " emblem " of the nature park. In the flaming flow, there are occurrences of the brook trout, dippers, brook lamprey and crayfish. In the Belziger countryside meadows there occurrences of rare great bustard and the boys broadleaf herb.

Reserves

Virtually the entire park area is designated as a conservation area. The Regulation on the conservation area " Hoher Flaming - Belziger countryside meadows " of 17 November 1997, entered into force on 3 December 1997.

In addition, there are nine nature reserves in the nature park. Some of the precious flaming streams are placed under protection ( Verlorenwasser Bach, Bullenberger Bach, Planetal ), also are forest and heathland protected ( Rabenstein, Spring, Werbiger Heide). Some conservation areas have been established already in GDR times. The following protected areas ( with date of entry into force of ) are in the Nature Park:

• Bullenberger Bach / Briesener Bach (24 May 2003)
• Small Marzehns (1 May 1961)
• Flaming Book (30 March 1961)
• Planetal (19 October 1967)
• Rabenstein (20 June 1978)
• Spring (17th March 1986)
• Verlorenwasser stream headwaters (26 May 2005)
• Werbiger Heath (19 November 1999)
• Belziger countryside meadows (24 May 2003)

Culture

Castles

A special feature are the four medieval castles in Flaming: Burg Eisenhardt in Bad Belzig, Rabenstein Castle, Castle Ziesar and the meadow castle, which in its current expression is indeed a neo- Renaissance building, but is not based on a medieval castle, of which elements still remain.

In the bathroom Belziger Burg Eisenhardt there is a museum. In addition, the hotel is housed in the castle.

Wiesenburg Castle is privately owned and is used for residential purposes. The castle tower can be visited and is home to the tourist information center of the community. The castle has a mostly designed as a landscaped park. The 123 -acre park is considered the most significant memorial garden between Potsdam and the Dessau- Wörlitz. In 2004, a sculpture garden was held in the castle park.

The Ziesar castle houses a museum on the history of the Christianization of the Mark Brandenburg.

In Burg Rabenstein a hostel is housed with restaurant. It found in the courtyard regular events such as the medieval spectacle and the Christmas Market.

Historic town centers and vibrant villages

The historic centers of Bad Belzig and Ziesar are worth seeing. Both cities are members of the working group " cities with historic centers ". Also Niemegk has a historic center with a Renaissance town hall.

The community Wiesenburg / Mark was in 2011 at the national competition Our village has a future as the first village in Brandenburg in the history of the competition awarded a gold medal. In 2001 Dippmannsdorf was awarded a silver medal.

Stone churches

Typical of the Flaming are the medieval stone churches that are still well preserved in many villages. (see also List of stone churches in the Flaming )

Art, country high fläming

Under the umbrella of " high art, country fläming " organize artists and others involved in flaming artistic activities in the landscape. Precursor of the initiative was the Sculpture Park in Castle Park Meadow Castle in 2004. In 2006, the first project realized the "art track ", a 2.5 -km long track with designed by local artists and works of art. In the summer of 2007, a 17 km-long art walk which connects the stations of Bad Belzig and meadow castle, opened with ten works of art. The ten artists whose works have been realized, had previously prevailed in a nationwide art competition. In May 2010, a 16 km long southern route was opened, can be seen in the works of artists from Flanders and the flaming.

Theatre and concerts

Theater performances are held regularly in summer meadow Burger Park and in the courtyard Ziesar. In Bad Belzig, the birthplace of the composer Carl Gottlieb Reißiger, his works are performed occasionally. In the Bücknitzer stone church there regularly in summer concerts. In Bad Belzig and Wiesenburg theatrical city tours are offered.

Regional Development

Tourism

A tourist center of gravity in the natural park Hoher Flaming is the health tourism. Bad Belzig is a nationally recognized health resort, which may cause the additional name "Bad" since 2010, and has worked with the stone baths and the rehab clinic a wide range in the area of ​​health tourism. It is also stated aim of the Natural Park, aimed at overcoming accessibility to be a travel region under the motto " Nature park for all ", in which people with disabilities can feel comfortable and will. Paved cycle paths are suitable for wheelchairs. In publications, the accessibility of tourist destinations for people with disabilities is presented.

The R1 cycle and the European long-distance path E 11 and the German Avenues Route through the natural park, and well-marked nature park - riding routes, which connect the stables in the flaming to 250 km, are available for trail riders available.

It 's natural and cultural leaders were trained to offer a wide range of tours and other events of the herb walk to yoga walking.

Festivals

There are a variety of festivals in the nature park. The most important regular events are:

• Good Friday to Easter Monday: Medieval Show at Burg Rabenstein
• Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday: Pottery market in Görzke
• May: Flower market in Wiesenburg / Mark
• Mai: Nature Park Walking Festival
• Pentecost: bed races in Fredersdorf
• June: Titans of the racecourse (cold blood race in Brück )
• August: Meadow Park Burger, old town with castle summer spectacle in Bad Belzig
• September: Rabenstein autumn and Gauklerfest
• September / October: 48- hours -flaming and flaming market at various locations
• December: Christmas Market at Burg Rabenstein, in the nature center with traditional torchlight procession to the castle Rabenstein and back again, in Bad Belzig, and other places

Kitchen

The kitchen in the High Flaming is down to earth and shaped by the landscape. Forests provide wild mushrooms and autumn, especially chestnuts, chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, but also other tasty mushrooms. Another indispensable part of the kitchen in the High Flaming is the potato. Several inns have joined forces and conceived the " Culinary Tour potato ". In all participating inns innovative potato dishes.

Another specialty is the Flaming Trout naturally present in the flaming flow, but is also grown in different trout farms.

Typical for the region is also the terminal cake, a waffle-like dessert which. Flemings in the 12th/13th Century had brought.

See also: Tourism in Brandenburg

Alternative life and business forms

In the Natural Park there are a number of groups and individuals at exploring alternative lifestyles and economic systems. In 1991, a group founded the ZEGG GmbH and bought one from the East German Ministry occupied until the turn of State Security premises in Belzig. ZEGG is a community of about 80 people at exploring new ways of living together.

Also in 1991, the Berlin addiction help Synanon organization has the good Schmerwitz acquired and there founded a great addiction help facility. Due to economic difficulties in the late 1990s Synanon bought the place in 2000 sold. The majority of the agriculture was adopted by the family Schoonhoven, which operates a large organic operation there. The addiction aid association " Scarab Hoher Flaming eV " has also taken over some of the good Schmerwitz and owns and operates an addiction care facility.

In this environment, several initiatives have developed which implement alternative lifestyles and economic systems in different areas.

Naturparkzentrum " Old Distillery "

The nature center is located in Rabenstein / flaming in the district of ravens in the "Old Distillery ". The old distillery is located in the village below the castle Rabenstein ravens and connected with this from time immemorial. Built in 1700 as an economic building of the castle, she secured in 1863 as a pumping station with pferdebetriebenem Göpel work until the 2nd World War, the water supply of the castle. In the 18th century liquor was still burned - hence the name Old Distillery. Remains of the gin plant, like the horse -driven gear and water boiler can still be seen today. After a period of slow decline from 1945, the historic building was finally in 1996, restored by the district Potsdam- agent Mark, who is also the owner of the old distillery. In May 1997, the Information Centre began its work. Operator is the Natural Park Club Flaming eV

The nature park exhibition on the upper floor of the Natural Park Centre provides information on all aspects of the natural park. There are also tourist information, such as maps and leaflets with route recommendations, and literature. In the basement vault of the garden house is a sale of typical regional products, such as pottery from Görzke, honey, beeswax candles, jams and jellies and fruit brandies. A bicycle rental service also exists in the nature center. In the Nature Park Environmental Education Workshop events are offered. The nature center is open daily from 9.00 to 17.00 clock.

In Naturparkzentrum the park administration and the Natural Park Club Flaming eV have their headquarters

Institutions in the natural park

Nature Park Management

The state of Brandenburg is a carrier of the nature park. Therefore, it is in the nature park management established and supported the Naturparkzentrum financially ( institutional support ). The park administration has its headquarters in the Nature Centre in Raven, and is organizationally assigned to the Environmental Agency of Brandenburg. Tasks of the park administration are:

• Nature Conservation and Landscape Planning: FFH area management, development and implementation of conservation and development plan, preparing the designation of protected areas, comments on construction projects, technical and overall planning, habitat management.
• Public Affairs: Press Relations, Events, Internet, production of publications
• Environmental education: development of concepts, coordination of environmental education stakeholders, construction of environmental education facilities such as nature trails or information boards.
• Nature Tourism: Development and implementation of visitor management concepts, creation and promotion of nature tourism offerings, consulting tourist actors
• Promotion of sustainable land use in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and water management, hunting: Consulting and coordinating the activities, contractual nature conservation, development and improved marketing of regional products
• Coordination of park rangers, which is a service provider for the park administration.

Since February 2014 Steffen Bohl is Nature Park Head.

Nature Park Club Flaming eV

The formation and operation of the natural park 's nature park association Flaming eV closely linked. This was founded in 1993. He is a non-profit association based in Rabenstein / Flaming, who has about 50 members. Most communities in the natural park Hoher Flaming Member of the Natural Park club. The original goal of the Society to support the recognition of the region of the High Flaming as a nature park, was achieved with the public notice of the nature park in 1997. The Association pursues today the goal is to promote environmental and conservation in the Natural Park and to support sustainable development of the natural park region.

The Nature Park Association operates the Visitor Information in the "Old Distillery ", whose staff he also represents. He also organizes events such as the walk, on the tree of the year is planted, or the " something other Christmas Market " on the first weekend of Advent. Further projects for sustainable development of the natural park are carried out, such as the training of natural and cultural leaders and the project " Nature Park for all ," has compiled and advertised the barrier-free facilities for people with disabilities in the nature park. First Chairman of the Natural Park Association is Bernd Schade, CEO Stefan Ratering.

Naturwacht

As in all large protected areas, the Brandenburg Naturwacht Brandenburg is also represented in the natural park Hoher Flaming with several natural guardians. Support the Naturwacht is the Nature Conservation Fund Brandenburg, financed the nature watch the State of Brandenburg. The park rangers has bases in Grubo and in the Birds waiting in Baitz. The Nature Guardians are the natural park management service. Tasks of park rangers are:

• Public relations / environmental education: guided tours, events, project weeks, led by children and youth groups, preparation of information materials.
• Visitor management: visitor information, construction and repair of visitor facilities, paths Wart, putting up signs and boards, marking of protected areas.
• Zone Control: prevention, instruction, intervention, registration of exceedances state controls
• Species and habitat protection, monitoring: landscape maintenance, biotopeinrichtende measures, competent supervision of landscape maintenance services of third parties, practical conservation, monitoring of scientific studies / monitoring.
• Contract Conservation: advice and success control.

Local Action Group flaming- Havel e.V.

The Local Action Group (LAG ) flaming- Havel was founded in 2001 to prepare the application, the nature park region as LEADER - region. Since its recognition in 2002, the Regional Office support under the direction of the Regional Manager Rural Development in the Natural Park region. Also for the funding period 2007 - 2013 the region flaming- Havel was recognized as the LEADER region. Besides the European funding program LEADER LAG flaming- Havel coordinated on the basis of an area-based local development strategy and the allocation of funding for integrated rural development. The LAG flaming- Havel supports regional development through own projects, such as the annual campaign " 48 -Hour Flaming " and the Flaming market.

Statistical information

• Total area: 827 km ² (100 %)
• Nature Reserves 48.8 km ² (5.9%)
• Landscape protection areas: 754 km ² ( 91.2 %)
• Population: about 27,000
• Population density: 30 inhabitants / km ² ( compared Berlin: about 3,800 inhabitants / km ²)

• Agricultural area: 403 km ² (49%)
• Forest: 404 km ² (49%)
• Water surfaces: 0,3 km ² (0.1%)