New protection for the Ith: citizen participation starts now!

New protection for the Ith: citizen participation starts now!

Today, November 24th, 2025, there is good news from the Hameln-Pyrmont district: The new designation of the “Ith” nature reserve is just around the corner. This important area extends from Coppenbrügge to Holzen in the Holzminden district and covers almost 3,000 hectares of pure natural treasure. The participation process begins today, and citizens are invited to share their suggestions and concerns by January 11, 2026.

A look at the Ith shows that more than just trees grow here. The region, which rises up to 430 meters high, is one of the largest limestone beech forests, ravine forests and limestone rock areas in the Weser and Leinebergland. Loud my-onlinezeitung.de Parts of the area also belong to the FFH area 114 “Ith” and the European bird sanctuary V 68 “Sollingvorland” – a real hotspot for biodiversity and ecological balance.

Protection and focus on nature

The aim of the new designation initiative is to close regulatory gaps, particularly in the area of ​​forestry use. Another key point is the implementation of the Forest Decree on the application of hardship compensation in the forest. The aim is to ensure long-term ecological stability and the natural condition of the area. If you have any questions, you can contact the respective nature conservation authorities during opening hours: The Holzminden district can be reached on 05531 707 189, the Hameln-Pyrmont district on 05151 903 4400.

It's not just people who live in the region - many animal and plant species also find their home here. Loud nlwkn.niedersachsen.de The beech forests impress with their species-rich herbaceous layer, and it is not uncommon to come across the strictly protected lady's slipper orchid species or various species of bats, such as the greater mouse-eared bat and the Bechstein's bat. The variety of habitats, be it on steep slopes or wet meadows, contributes to the importance of this area.

Nature in a European context

But why is all of this so important? The EU's Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH Directive) requires member states to protect natural habitats and wild animals and plants. The aim of this directive is to preserve biological diversity in the European Union. A uniform European system of protected areas called “Natura 2000” is based on this directive, which has been in force since June 10, 1992. The protected areas are designated according to uniform criteria, and the Ith is no exception. bfn.de highlights that the directive also sets out concrete measures for the conservation of habitats and species.

In the course of this new designation, not only will the local ecosystem be promoted, but the contribution to achieving the EU-wide goals for nature conservation will also be strengthened. Not only will the next generations benefit from this step, but also nature itself, which is important to all of us.