Bachtäler im Arnsberger Wald LIFE Project — Re-Meandering Streams and Rewetting Spruce Valleys

The Arnsberger Wald in the Nordsauerland uplands had its stream valleys straightened and planted with uniform spruce. LIFE07 NAT/D/000214 (2009–2014, total eligible budget €1,110,816, EU contribution €555,408) worked across 1,300 ha in four Natura 2000 sites, coordinated by the NGO Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest.
Reported outputs: stream course extended by 3,760 m against 3,000 m planned; side channels of 1,090 m against 750 m planned; about 9.5 km of streams restored to near-natural condition; 123 ha of spruce converted to oak and alder (about 3,500 alders and 1,000 oaks planted); 130 trees placed in streams as deadwood; 2,060 m of drainage ditches closed to restore hydrology on 8.5 ha of the Harmorsbruch wetland; seven obstructive road crossings replaced; and 200 ha nominated as Natura 2000. Services worth over €690,000 went to local small enterprises.
Caveats: the EU page reports no measured species results — bullhead, brook lamprey, kingfisher, black stork and dragonflies are described as expected beneficiaries, and long-term effects would only be visible years after closing. Most outputs have no stated target, and an unplanned ramp at the River Heve was needed to stabilise the bed. Continuity depends on an After-LIFE conservation plan.

Read the full analysis: https://www.land.nrw/pressemitteilung/minister-remmel-aktiver-naturschutz-lohnt-sich