Irish Club Discovers Nature Reserve Jewel in Remerschen

On Sunday 16 October 2022, the Irish Club of Luxembourg (ICL) held a Charity Walk at the nature reserve in Remerschen, located close to the Moselle River between Remich and Schengen.

ICL President, Geoff Thompson, addressed the group of around 20 members and friends, explaining that traditionally the club has been very active in supporting charities over the years; however, the old model of sponsorship has now been replaced and, instead of a "Sponsored Walk", the event has now become a "Charity Walk". He also mentioned that members had appreciated the series of Guided Tours that they had arranged over recent years, from Bernard-Massard and Bofferding to the Underground Mine in Rumelange and the Philharmonie concert hall: in that context, he was delighted to introduce David Crowther of Natur & Emwelt who would be the group's guide.

David shared his knowledge about the importance of the nature reserve which was primarily used as a "pit stop" for migratory birds, many of which typically fly for 200-300 kms before they rest and feed - sometimes for days, sometimes for weeks - before the continue on their migration. Some birds winter here too.

On the history of the site, it was originally used for excavating gravel for construction (roads, etc.) in the region. Then, in the 1970s, serious consideration was given to having a nuclear power station located there (this would have been in addition to the one at Cattenom, a short distance away in France); however, the Greens managed to convince the authorities to create a nature reserve. Interestingly, on the main lake (but not the most interesting for bird-watching), fishing is allowed as the local club has secured the rights; this is one of the compromises agreed. A few years ago, the Biodiversum visitor centre was designed (by local architect Valentiny) and constructed - it resembled an upturned boat; in this building, the Forest and Nature Agency had offices, and so too does Natur & Emwelt for a couple of its staff who work alongside the administration on many issues. HJe also mentioned the sluices between the ponds that enable management of water levels, particularly regarding mud for wading birds. He also addressed the woodland, which is all natural, and includes different types of trees which attract different types of birds.

The walk continued along the paths and boardwalk to the first hide which also includes a Ringing Station. This is used to survey many of the birds that visit the area.

On the species to be found at Remerschen, he explained that the best times to visit are in spring, in May, as well as in the depths of winter when there may be ice on the nearby Moselle river. During the morning's walk, the group managed to see a number of different birds, from Mallard ducks and Gadwall ducks, to Grey Herons and White Egrets, Mute Swans and Cormorants, Coots and Moorhens, and a very obliging Greater Crested Grebe who swam, and dived, very close to the hide. He mentioned that the first cranes are expected to arrive around the end of October.

David mentioned that the nature reserve is home to a small colony of Golden Orioles (male yellow; female green) that build hammock-like nests in the canopy, and have a very distinct call. He also mentioned that Luxembourg is great for woodpeckers, with six to seven different species to be found in the Grand Duchy.

One of the main developments of the nature reserve in the last couple of years has been the building of different habitats, including rocks for lizards and frogs, as well as shingle / pebbles for plovers as well as warblers (which can be very difficult to see), also sandbanks for bees and other burrowing insects. There was also significant evidence of wild boar, foraging in the gassy fields / verges for roots; it is a problem for forest regeneration, also roe deer can cause similar damage.

He mentioned the cuckoo (Remerschen is a great location for the cuckoo) that lays eight to ten eggs in a number of other birds’ nests, including the sedge warbler, reed warbler and dunnock; he explained how the cuckoo chick hatches faster than the other eggs in the nest and grows quickly, evicting the other eggs so that often it is the only surviving bird, with the "parents" none the wiser...

The rain that was forecast to fall held off, and it was quite warm for mid-October. The group then met for a meal at the popular Le Chalet restaurant across the road from the Biodiversum building, between the swimming lake and carp fishing pond which are both outside the nature reserve.

The Irish Club will donate the proceeds of the Charity Walk to a project of Natur & Emwelt.