Extensively managed flower meadow as a compensation area
Lower Saxony · BNatSchG / NAGBNatSchG
Natural region D27

Eco-points and compensation areas
District of Verden

Verden District is located in central Lower Saxony in the south-eastern hinterland of Bremen, characterised by the broad river lowlands of Aller and Weser as well as the adjacent geest. For impacts on nature and landscape, greenature plans and implements compensation measures here, assessed using the Lower Saxon biotope value procedure (eco-points) and coordinated with the district's lower nature conservation authority.

rund 789 km²
District area
rund 139.000
Residents
11
Municipalities
Verden (Aller)
District seat
Steinberg, rund 74 m ü. NN
Highest elevation
District of and ecology

The District of Verden at a glance

The district geographically belongs predominantly to the Weser-Aller Lowland (Middle Weser region) and in the north to the Stade Geest, which here is characterised as Achim-Verden Geest. Aller and Weser with their lowlands determine the landscape image and carry a large share of the protected habitats.

Proximity to Bremen brings ongoing settlement and commercial development, particularly along the A1 and B27. This creates a regular need for nature conservation compensation under §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG.

Extensive grasslands in the Aller lowland and Wümme lowland are significant for meadow-breeding birds and amphibians. Compensation often combines upgrading existing wet grasslands and watercourse structures.

greenature develops suitable measures and eco-account areas for project developers in Verden District, from initial assessment through to permanent securing and management.

Extensively managed flower meadow as a compensation area

🗺️ Associated natural regions

📍 Selected municipalities

Verden (Aller) (seat)AchimOytenOttersbergLangwedelDörverdenKirchlintelnSamtgemeinde Thedinghausen

🌿 Ecological features

  • The Lower Aller lowland in Verden District is secured as a nature and landscape conservation area and part of the Aller FFH site (with Barnbruch) and the Lower Aller Lowland EU Special Protection Area.
  • The Wümme lowland with its dunes and wet meadows in the north of the district is a valuable network of grassland, watercourses and sandy habitats.
  • The Weser floodplain between Eissel and Clüverswerder ranks amongst the large-scale protected areas of the district and is bounded by dike lines and geest edges.
  • With the Achim-Verden Geest, the dry, sandy Stade Geest extends into the district and forms a contrast to the wet river lowlands.
  • Implementation of Natura 2000 was anchored in the district through protected area ordinances for the FFH and Special Protection Areas.
  • The district is regionally known for its horse breeding and equestrian tradition, which emphasises the importance of open grassland landscapes.

✅ greeNature on the ground

greenature operates nationwide and manages projects in Verden District from initial nature conservation assessment through to long-term land securing. We assess impact and compensation using the Lower Saxon biotope value procedure, based on NLWKN working guidelines, and early coordinate the type, scope and location of measures with the lower nature conservation authority. A particular focus is on upgrading grassland and watercourses in the lowlands of Aller, Weser and Wümme as well as sand and heathland habitats of the geest. Where compensation is to be provided in advance, we develop eco-account areas and manage measures so that upgrading, securing and management are permanently guaranteed.

Compensation in the district

Typical measures in the district of Verden

🌾

Grassland extensification in the lowlands

Conversion of intensively managed grassland to extensively managed wet meadows in the Aller and Wümme lowlands, with adapted mowing and grazing regimes for meadow-breeding birds.

💧

Watercourse and floodplain restoration

Connection of oxbows, development of waterside buffer strips and structural enrichment on Aller, Weser and tributary waters for upgrading watercourse and floodplain habitats.

🌳

Floodplain forest and vegetation development

Establishment of site-appropriate floodplain forests and field copses in river lowlands, which act as stepping stones in the habitat network and sustainably increase biotope value.

🏜️

Sand grassland and heathland on the geest

Restoration of open sand and dry habitats on the Achim-Verden Geest through removal of nutrients and vegetation, suitable for thermophilic species.

🐛

Arable extensification and field bird protection

Creation of flower areas, skylark patches and extensively managed arable buffer strips on the geest to promote field birds and insects of agricultural landscape.

📋

Eco-account under Lower Saxon law

Advance implementation of upgrading measures and entry as eco-points, so compensation is securely available at the time of permit.

Species diversity

Protected species in the Middle Weser region between Weser and Aller

🐦

Northern lapwing

The northern lapwing breeds in open wet grasslands of the Aller and Wümme lowland. Extensively managed, waterlogged meadows are crucial for breeding success and can be deliberately developed as a measure.

About this species ›
🦉

Skylark

The skylark inhabits open arable fields of the geest. Skylark patches and extensive arable buffer strips improve breeding and feeding conditions.

About this species ›
🐟

Kingfisher

The kingfisher is tied to near-natural banks of Aller, Weser and Wümme. Structured steep banks and clear watercourses with good fish stocks promote the species.

About this species ›
🦇

Bats

Various bat species use floodplain forests, vegetation and watercourses as hunting grounds and guide structures. In impacts, roosts and flight routes must be observed under § 44 BNatSchG.

About this species ›
🦎

Sand lizard

The sand lizard inhabits warm-dry sandy locations, dunes and slopes of the geest. In impacts, advance compensatory measures (CEF) and relocations are frequently required.

About this species ›
🐸

Great crested newt and amphibians

Great crested newt and other amphibians depend on sunny, fish-free small water bodies in the lowlands. Creation and networking of spawning waters is an effective measure.

About this species ›
Typical projects

Which projects trigger a compensation obligation?

🛣️

Road and transport projects

Expansion and bypasses along the A1 and B27 as well as subordinate roads lead to impacts to be compensated under §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG.

🏭

Commercial and logistics areas

Proximity to Bremen and location on the A1 favour commercial and logistics settlement, such as in the Achim and Oyten area, with corresponding compensation requirements.

🏘️

Residential and settlement development

Ongoing residential development in the Bremen hinterland triggers compensation and replacement obligations through development planning, which can be prepared via the eco-account.

⛏️

Soil and raw material extraction

Sand and gravel extraction in the river and valley sand areas of Weser and Aller requires nature conservation compensation and offers opportunities for subsequent use as habitat.

How it works

From enquiry to monitoring

01

Contact and enquiry

Tell us your compensation requirement and the natural region. We check availability.

02

Offer and advice

A transparent offer covering measure types, scope and availability.

03

Coordination with authorities

Full coordination with the lower nature conservation authority. We handle everything.

04

Long-term monitoring

Permanent securing of the land, management and documentation across the contract term.

Frequently asked questions

All about eco-points
in the district of Verden

In Lower Saxony, assessment of impact and compensation uses the biotope value procedure, in which areas are converted to value units (eco-points) based on biotope types and value factors. The basis is Lower Saxon nature conservation law (NAGBNatSchG) in conjunction with §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG as well as NLWKN working guidelines. The Bavarian Compensation Ordinance does not apply here.
Generally responsible is the lower nature conservation authority at Verden District in the water, waste and nature conservation department. It coordinates the type, scope and location of measures and is the contact for recognition of compensation and eco-account areas. Additional specialist authorities may be involved in cross-regional projects.
Via an eco-account, upgrading measures can be implemented before a specific impact and entered as eco-points. This way, compensation is securely available at the time of permit, which creates planning certainty and can accelerate procedures. Recognition is governed by Lower Saxon law.
Significant are especially the wet grasslands and watercourses of the Aller, Weser and Wümme lowlands as well as the sand and dry habitats of the Achim-Verden Geest. Many of these areas are part of Natura 2000 as FFH or Special Protection Areas, which must be considered early in planning.
Special species protection applies as soon as protected species such as northern lapwing, sand lizard, bats or amphibians may be affected by a project. Frequently, advance compensatory measures (CEF) are needed to continuously maintain the ecological function of habitats. Evidence is provided via species protection assessment.
Compensation and replacement measures should have a functional and spatial connection to the impact, which is why areas within the district or in the affected natural region are preferred. In justified cases, measures in the wider natural region are also possible. Precise allocation is coordinated with the lower nature conservation authority.
Get in touch

Request eco-points in the district of Verden

We will promptly prepare a transparent offer with matching eco-points held in stock in the district of Verden.