Heath Landscape

The heath landscape covered large parts of northern Germany until the beginning of the 19th century, but have now almost completely disappeared. The heath landscapes have developed since the Neolithic Age through overgrazing of the formerly widespread forests on infertile sandy soils in the area of the Geest. The remaining remnants of this historic cultural landscape are kept open mainly by grazing with heidschnucken. By browsing young tree saplings, the sheep ensure that the landscape, which was characterized by heath farming for centuries, is preserved. There are extensive hiking opportunities in heath, forest and moors, well-preserved building culture, people who feel
connected to their region.

Rural landscape category:
- Cultures, Value Systems and Social Organisations

Author(s): Lena Willgalis
Photo Credit:
Country: Germany