Flood protection in Herrenberg: Save amphibians, protect nature!

Flood protection in Herrenberg: Save amphibians, protect nature!

In Herrenberg, a retention basin is being built at the Erzlochgraben to improve flood protection. This construction project focuses not only on infrastructural but also ecological aspects. As part of the preparations, appropriate measures have already been taken to protect the local wildlife. Common toads and alpine newts are kept away from the construction site by specially erected, half-meter-high fences. These fences, which are designed in black, are intended to ensure that the properties can be cultivated and at the same time protect meadows and orchards from construction machinery.

The retention basin will take on an essential function: it can absorb, store and release rainwater with a time delay. This relieves pressure on the sewer system and effectively prevents the dangers of flooding. According to [hamburg.de](https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/behoerden/bukea/themen/naturschutz/biotopschutz/naturnahe-rueckhalte Becken-171654), natural retention basins also contribute to the protection of species and biotopes in urban areas by providing habitats for rare animal and plant species and acting as migration corridors.

Ecological support of the project

To ensure the protection of biodiversity, all measures are accompanied by a specialist office and a biologist. This cooperation takes place in coordination with the lower nature conservation authority. Before construction began, measures were taken to keep the affected animals, such as the strictly protected sand lizard and alpine newts that were discovered in a nearby garden pond, away from the construction site or to relocate them to new habitats. A pond will also be created in the plan area to house any amphibians found.

The importance of such retention basins for biodiversity cannot be overestimated. In urban environments, these retention ponds are often the last refuge for many species. The biotope connectivity promoted by such measures is crucial to counteract the loss of biodiversity in fragmented habitats.

After the flood retention dam is completed, the protective fences will be removed again. When maintaining the basin in the future, it will be essential to take the above-mentioned ecological aspects into account in order to maintain its function as a retention basin and as a habitat. [hamburg.de](https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/behoerden/bukea/themen/naturschutz/biotopschutz/naturnahe-rueckhalte Becken-171654) has published guidelines for carrying out maintenance measures in accordance with nature conservation law. This offers important assistance in order to optimally address the legal aspects of maintaining such natural habitats.

The project in Herrenberg clearly shows how important forward-looking planning and consideration of ecological concerns are in local politics. It is possible to implement flood protection measures and to minimize the consequences for biodiversity. Integrating ecological concerns into construction planning could serve as a model for future projects.

For further information and current developments regarding flood protection in Herrenberg, read the articles in the [Esslinger Zeitung](https://www.esslinger-zeitung.de/content.hochwasserschutz-in-herrenberg-amphibien- Werden-vor-baggern-geschuetzt.4f0b1878-e632-4002-aa38-f22900642442.html) and [hamburg.de](https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/behoerden/bukea/themen/naturschutz/biotopschutz/naturnahe-rueckhalte Becken-171654).