Nature reserves

The nature reserve is a form of area-specific land protection and is the oldest and best-known instrument of nature conservation.

Areas of importance for the conservation, development or restoration of flora and fauna and their habitats or communities may be designated as nature reserves. Nature reserves may also be designated if areas are worthy of protection for scientific, natural-historical or regional reasons or because of their rarity, special character or outstanding beauty.

Nature reserves are established by decree of the competent authority. This ordinance contains the description of the area and its protective purpose as well as the regulations necessary to achieve the protective purpose. The demarcation of the nature reserve is shown in an associated map.  

In Hesse, more than 760 nature reserves with a total size of more than 36,000 ha have been designated in the various natural areas. This corresponds to an area share of about 1.7 percent of the country's area. The average size of a Hessian nature reserve is around 50 ha.

The regional councils are responsible for the designation and maintenance of nature reserves.

In nature reserves, all actions that may lead to the destruction, damage or alteration of the nature reserve in part or in whole are prohibited. Nature reserves may usually only be entered on the paths. However, if the protective purpose permits, exceptions may be allowed.