The Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur has announced that it is organising a guided tour of the "Schlammwiss-Brill" nature reserve, on Saturday 8 February 2025, to spread awareness around World Wetlands Day.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. As the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur explained, springs, streams, alluvial areas, ponds, lakes, marshes, wet meadows - wherever water emerges from the ground, flows or stagnates - are examples of wetlands. The dynamics of water create varied living conditions to which many animal and plant species have adapted.
Over the last 60 years, around 80% of wetland biotopes have disappeared in Luxembourg. The reasons for this, given by the foundation, are: soil sealing due to urbanisation; changes in the water regime (drainage, lowering of the water table, etc.); water pollution (wastewater, agriculture, etc.); spread of invasive species.
The Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur reminded that it has been committed to protecting, enhancing and restoring wetlands for over 40 years. A total of 610.45 ha of land is wetland, including wet meadows and pastures.
To highlight wetlands, the foundation is organising a guided tour of the "Schlammwiss-Brill" nature reserve, in partnership with the local Ieweschte Syrdall section of natur&ëmwelt and the Syr watercourse partnership. The nature reserve consists of various wetland habitats on around 88 hectares along the Syr. There are large reed beds here, which serve as a habitat and nesting area for specialist bird species. Many insects live there and are an important food source for the birds that live there. In addition, the reed bed is an important resting place for migratory bird species, noted the foundation.
The meeting point is set for Saturday 8 February 2025 at 09:00 in the car park of the Munsbach football field. Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are required; binoculars are considered an advantage. To participate, register via email: schlammwiss@gmail.com. In case of bad weather, the tour will not go ahead.