Eco-points and compensation areas
District of Osterholz
Eco-points from authority-recognised eco-accounts and full-service compensation according to Lower Saxony nature conservation law. greeNature supports impact mitigation regulation and biotope value method assessment in Osterholz District. Active nationally, with experience in the cultural landscape between Teufelsmoor and Osterholz geest.
The District of Osterholz at a glance
Osterholz District lies in Lower Saxony north of the city of Bremen and is geographically divided into two. The north and west belong to Osterholz geest, a rolling, sandy ground moraine area, while the east is occupied by the lowlands of Hamme and Wümme with the largely cultivated Teufelsmoor.
Since 2004, Lower Saxony is no longer divided into administrative regions. By natural region, the overwhelming majority of the district belongs to Stader geest (BfN natural region D27). Western marginal areas on the Lower Weser reach into Ems-Weser marshes (D25).
Ecologically defining is the Hamme lowlands with extensive moist grassland, peat bog remnants and ditch systems. It is part of a large-scale nature conservation project of national significance and belongs through FFH and bird protection sites to the European Natura 2000 network.
Economically, the district is strongly shaped by the interlinking area around Bremen. Residential and commercial development in hinterland, expansion of transport corridors A27 and B74, plus wind energy and flood protection projects regularly create compensation requirements under §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG and NAGBNatSchG.
🗺️ Associated natural regions
Go to natural region D27 ›
Go to natural region D25 ›
📍 Selected municipalities
🌿 Ecological features
- FFH site 033 'Lower Wümme lowlands, lower Hamme lowlands with Teufelsmoor'
- EU bird protection area Hamme lowlands, breeding and staging area for meadow birds
- Hamme lowlands nature reserve (NSG LÜ 312, approximately 2,849 hectares)
- Large-scale nature conservation project Hamme lowlands of national significance
- Teufelsmoor, historically cultivated peat bog with remnants of peat-forming vegetation
- Osterholz geest, sandy ground moraine with arable, grassland and forest use
- 17 designated nature reserves plus numerous landscape protection areas
✅ greeNature on the ground
greeNature operates nationally and works in Lower Saxony consistently according to NAGBNatSchG. Assessment is done using the biotope value method (eco-points) following NLWKN guidance materials. We know specialist requirements in bog, marsh and geest landscapes and coordinate measures with Osterholz District's lower nature conservation authority, from conception through implementation to management and monitoring.
Typical measures in the district of Osterholz
Bog restoration
Rewetting of drained peat bog areas in Teufelsmoor through ditch closure and raising water levels, for development of peat-forming vegetation and carbon sequestration.
Moist grassland extensification
Conversion of intensively used lowland areas on Hamme and Wümme to late cutting and low fertilisation, as breeding and feeding habitat for meadow birds such as northern lapwing and black-tailed godwit.
Waterbody margins
Creation of buffer and margin strips along ditches and flowing waterbodies of the lowland, to improve water quality and as habitat for amphibians and dragonflies.
Species protection CEF and FCS
Early compensation measures under § 44 BNatSchG, such as replacement roosts for bats, spawning waters for amphibians, plus habitat structures for sand lizards on railway and road embankments.
Hedgerows and habitat networks
Planting of wallows and copses in open geest landscape, as stepping stones and networking between grassland, forest and arable biotopes.
Carr forest and afforestation
Development of naturally appropriate alder carr and wetland forests in lowland areas, plus natural broadleaf mixed forests on geest, with oak, hornbeam and black alder.
Protected species in the Teufelsmoor and Osterholz geest
Northern lapwing and wader limicoles
Hamme lowlands moist grassland is breeding area for northern lapwing, black-tailed godwit and snipe. Extensification, rewetting and predation protection rank among typical measures for these meadow birds.
About this species ›Moor frog and amphibians
Moor frogs, tree frogs and other amphibians inhabit boggy ditches and small waterbodies. Newly created, sunny spawning waters are a frequent compensation measure in the lowland.
About this species ›Bats
Old tree stands, woody rows and buildings provide roosts for several bat species, using lowlands and waterbody margins as hunting area. Roost losses are offset through CEF measures.
About this species ›Kingfisher
Kingfisher breeds on Hamme, Wümme and their tributaries in natural steep banks. Modelling of steep walls and natural development of bank areas promotes populations.
About this species ›Skylark
Open arable and grassland areas of Osterholz geest host breeding skylarks. Skylark plots and extensively managed arable margins are proven measures for open-land species.
About this species ›White stork
White stork uses extensive moist grassland of Hamme lowlands as feeding area. Wetted meadows and rich supply of amphibians and small mammals improve breeding conditions.
Which projects trigger a compensation obligation?
Settlement and commerce development
As an interlinking area of Bremen, Osterholz District continuously designates residential and commercial areas. These impacts require compensation and replacement under §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG, frequently via land pools and eco-accounts.
Transport and infrastructure
Expansion of the A27 with connection points near Schwanewede and Ihlpohl, plus planned bypass of Ritterhude under the B74, create compensation obligations, such as for woody losses and amphibian habitats.
Wind energy and renewables
Designation of wind energy priority areas and construction of utility-scale photovoltaic installations on geest create compensation requirements and can trigger species protection assessments under § 44 BNatSchG.
Flood and waterbody protection
Measures on dykes, sluices and pumping stations, plus natural expansion of Hamme and Wümme impact protected lowland habitats and are accompanied by nature conservation specialist compensation.
From enquiry to monitoring
Contact and enquiry
Tell us your compensation requirement and the natural region. We check availability.
Offer and advice
A transparent offer covering measure types, scope and availability.
Coordination with authorities
Full coordination with the lower nature conservation authority. We handle everything.
Long-term monitoring
Permanent securing of the land, management and documentation across the contract term.
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Request eco-points in the district of Osterholz
We will promptly prepare a transparent offer with matching eco-points held in stock in the district of Osterholz.