Weserpark shines again: renaturation against invasive plants completed!

Weserpark shines again: renaturation against invasive plants completed!

Something has happened in the south of Bremen: the park on the left side of the Weser, a popular local recreation area, shines in new splendor again after extensive renaturation measures. Residents and visitors can be happy because the work that began at the beginning of July has now been completed and the park is being reopened to the public.

The renatured areas became necessary because the invasive needleweed, also known as Crassula helmsii or “curved needleweed,” had spread in the ponds and was significantly affecting biodiversity. This plant, originally from New Zealand, was imported to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century and has posed an increasingly serious ecological problem since the 1970s, as UOL emphasizes.

Extensive measures for nature

The renaturation project included the renovation of five ponds. The aim of the measures was to remove the coniferous plants and to prevent reintroduction through the targeted planting of native species. The ponds were also optimized for amphibians, such as natterjack toads. For example, larger areas of sand were created that these animals need. Starting next spring, plants from the sandy grassland will bloom and create a new, vibrant ecosystem.

For those seeking relaxation, a new boardwalk was built, which leads along a circular path around all the ponds. Numerous benches invite you to linger, and an information sign explains the park's ecological system. When visiting, however, please make sure that the dogs must be kept on a leash.

Funding and community engagement

The renaturation took around three months and cost around one million euros, 90% of which was financed by federal funding and 10% by the municipality of Bremen. As senatspressestelle.bremen.de reports, Björn Fecker, a representative of the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science, expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the work. Local actors such as Christian Schlesselmann from the local office, Gerd Grelle from the “Park links der Weser e.V.” association were also involved in the measures. as well as representatives from Haneg and the environmental department.

Vibrant parks and healthy ecosystems are a major concern. According to [BFN](https://www.bfn.de/gebiets Fremde-und-invasive-arten) there are around 900 established neobiota species in Germany, of which around 470 are plant species (neophytes). This increasing number is a direct result of global trade and transport, which has increased sharply for around 170 years. Here, the park on the left of the Weser shows how important it is to act against invasive species and to strengthen the native flora.

Overall, the Bremen community is looking forward to returning to their park. The fresh air, nature and the opportunity to relax – this makes the park on the left side of the Weser a real retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life.