Weseraue

Weseraue is a nature reserve in Petershagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, shaped by the floodplain of the Weser. It stretches from the Weser Bridge towards Schlüsselburg and includes part of the Gehleniederung near its mouth. Meadows, pastures, floodplain shrubs, small waters and former gravel pits create varied habitats. The reserve connects with Windheimer Marsch, Häverner Marsch, Grube Baltus and other protected areas.

Water and wading birds use these wetlands for breeding, resting, moulting and wintering throughout the year. Lapwings, goldeneyes, Bewick’s swans, tundra bean geese and whooper swans belong to the recorded birdlife. International recognition links the wetland with the Ramsar Convention, while Natura 2000 connects it with protected areas around the Dümmer and Steinhuder Meer. Conservation work since the 1970s includes monitoring birds, restoring gravel pits and managing grassland for wildlife.

Marked circular trails and partly accessible observation huts bring you close to the floodplain landscape. Several regional and long-distance cycling routes also cross the area. Scottish Highland cattle graze the Windheimer Weserschleife, where landscape management keeps the open wetlands suitable for birds.