Marbecktal recreation area

Naturally, the environment would be Korbachs covered by forest. However, in recent centuries, humans have increasingly cleared this forest to create agricultural land. This has created a multitude of new biotopes such as pastures, meadows, and fields. Among the most ecologically valuable of these newly created biotopes are the so-called "calcareous grasslands." They have always been used extensively, i.e., without heavy use of fertilizers or pesticides, as pastureland for sheep, goats, and cattle. On the slopes of the Marbeck stream southwest of Korbach There is such a calcareous grassland.

Due to the geological subsoil with its good drainage conditions (well-drained Zechstein limestone) and the south-facing location, many heat-loving and drought-adapted plant species thrive here, such as German gentian, golden thistle, and cat's foot. Calcareous grasslands also provide a habitat for numerous endangered animal species. With a little luck, you might spot the green grasshopper (Tettigonia viridissima) along the path. With a body length of up to 4,5 cm, it is one of our largest grasshopper species. Due to their outstanding importance for nature conservation, the Marbeck slopes have been nominated for inclusion in the EU-wide "Natura 2000" network of protected areas. These so-called FFH (Flora-Fauna-Habitat) areas are intended to ensure the preservation of biological diversity in Europe.

Tip: Two circular hiking trails (M1 and M2) provide access to the Marbeck Valley and the neighboring Schanzenberg (nature reserve), also a semi-arid limestone grassland. The trails in the Marbeck Valley are also suitable for strollers and child-friendly vehicles.

A folding card For further information about the circular routes and the surrounding nature and landscape, please visit the Korbach-Information (Prof.-Bier-Str. 15, 34497 Korbach, Tel. 05631 53-232).

The Accompanying brochure for the GeoPath Korbach explains geology and landscape history in the Marbeck valley (also in the Korbach-Information and in the GeoFoyer Kalkturm Korbach available, www.korbach.de/fossilien).