Welcome to the nature reserve “Lutter” on the eastern boundary of Suedheide nature park. Two round cycle tours offer you an opportunity to experience the natural surroundings of the river Lutter at close quarters.
The Lutter cycle path runs between Weyhausen in the north and Jarnsen in the south. Both routes start at a natural pond near the Bargfeld hiking tour car park.
Both routes will show you interesting facts about the large-scale nature protection project Lutter that was implemented here between 1989 and 2008.
During the last century, some sections of the river Lutter were straightened or expanded and drainage trenches dug out to drain certain areas. These actions took away the natural habitat from many fish and other water-borne organisms. During the Lutter nature protection project, the gravel riverbed was restored, sand traps were installed and the course of the river returned to its natural state.
The renaturation of the Lutter’s flowing water system enabled various and sometimes very rare species of plants and animals, such as the moor frog, to reclaim their natural habitat. Black storks, kingfishers and minnows also feel at home once again in and around the Lutter.
The freshwater pearl mussel - a real natural gem
The measures introduced to protect the Lutter have had a very positive effect on the stock levels of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. The now clear, clean and nutrient-rich flowing waters are home to the brown trout that protects the tiny mussels in its gills for ten months before they settle on the bed of the river Lutter. The number of young mussels is slowly on the rise. Searching for pearls is strictly forbidden as they are heavily protected under European law.
A brochure with many interesting facts about the Lutter’s natural surroundings is available for the entire Lutter cycle tour. It is available from Celle town council and from the Tourist Information Offices in the district of Celle.