Ilmenau in focus: Start an online survey on nature-friendly use!

Ilmenau in focus: Start an online survey on nature-friendly use!

In the Lüneburg district there is a breath of fresh air in the nature conservation-friendly use of the Ilmenau. From now on, the population is invited to take an active part in shaping the future of the river. The district has launched an online survey that runs until August 29, 2025. The aim of the survey is to record the wishes and expectations of citizens regarding the nature-friendly use of the Ilmenau. Participation takes around five minutes. Those interested can find the survey link here and under www.landkreis-lueneburg.de/ilmenau.

The survey is part of the “Integrated water tourism concept for the Ilmenau River” project, which was launched on June 13, 2025. As part of this project, the Lüneburg district wants to bring leisure activities such as canoeing, stand-up paddling and swimming into line with nature conservation regulations. The Ilmenau, which meanders for around 90 kilometers and rises south of Uelzen, is surrounded by nature reserves in many places, which requires careful planning. A funding decision of 48,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was received on the same day by Dr. Birgit Nolte presented to Janna Hoveida to support this project.

Design together: Invitation to the information event

The district is organizing an information event on July 2, 2025 for anyone who would like to take a closer look at the plans. This will take place at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Ilmenau community in Melbeck. Clubs, organizations and companies that are interested in the development of the river are invited. Registration for the event is required by June 30, 2025, either by phone on 04131 26-1296 or by email to kreisentwicklung@landkreis-lueneburg.de.

The future steps of the project initially include the development of a strategic concept by April 2026. This is followed by concrete implementation with investment measures, also funded by the “Future Regions in Lower Saxony” program. The overall program has a budget of around 6 million euros, which is intended, among other things, for the areas of “culture and leisure” and “biological diversity and functioning natural areas”. The districts of Lüneburg, Uelzen and Harburg as well as relevant stakeholders work hand in hand to ensure a sustainable and future-proof design of the river.

Nature and leisure in harmony

With this project, the Lüneburg district is taking a key step towards ecological responsibility and sustainable leisure activities. The challenge of combining nature conservation and leisure activities is great, but with the right concept in the heart of northern Germany, we want to protect the Ilmenau natural area and at the same time offer citizens opportunities for active and relaxing leisure activities. The local recreation area should therefore be excellently positioned for the future. It remains exciting to see how citizens got involved and what suggestions come forward for the use of the river.

For more information about this exciting project and the survey, please visit the Lüneburg district website here.