Seevengeti

The Seevengeti is an area of around 12 hectares in the "Untere Seeveniederung" nature reserve. It was created by the construction of the Maschen marshalling yard, when soil and rock unsuitable for construction was deposited here. Over time, nature reclaimed the area. Valuable habitats for insects, birds and plants were created by chance due to the rare and atypical conditions in the area.

Over time, scrub encroachment increased, especially with birch trees. In the African steppe, herbivores such as zebras, buffaloes, giraffes and antelopes prevent trees and shrubs from becoming established through browsing. Here, the decision was made in favour of grazing with robust cattle breeds. This measure, together with the Seeve river flowing directly alongside the area and the steppe-like soil conditions with rough grassland and open sandy areas, led to the play on words "Seevengeti".