Neckar - Living waters Cycling along the much obstructed Neckar river it is hard to imagine that once there were species-rich floodplains alongside it. Shipping, commerce, housing estates and transport routes have changed this piece of nature, and water quality went down the drain if you excuse the pun. Over past decades conservationists have made strong efforts in order to 'revive' the Neckar river. There have been successes - some fish species which had disappeared from the river now find suitable habitats once again.
Parallel to the river a new, one kilometer long side arm has been created under the aegis of Euronatur. It is connected to the Neckar via a feeder section. Close to this feeder section the water is continuously moving but there are also zones in the side arm which are more like standing water in character. These new habitats are a welcome refuge for many rare plant and animal species, such as the Kingfisher for which a wall with artificial nesting holes was created.
This pilot project is accompanied by an environmental education campaign. Information panels have been erected and the Neckar experience is designed in a way which makes it suitable also for families and handicapped persons.
In a study on ecological optimisation, seventy other areas between Bloch and Mannheim were identified which could be renaturalised at acceptable expense.
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