Eco-points and compensation areas
City of Bielefeld
Authority-recognised eco-points and full-service compensation in the independent city of Bielefeld. greeNature undertakes assessment, land provision and authority coordination under the North Rhine-Westphalia Eco-Account Ordinance and the North Rhine-Westphalia Nature Conservation Act.
The City of Bielefeld at a glance
Bielefeld with approximately 332,000 inhabitants is the largest city in East Westphalia-Lippe and an independent city in the administrative region of Detmold. The Teutoburg Forest runs through the city area as a forested ridge and separates the northern from the southern city districts. The Sparrenburg rises above the city on the crest of Osning.
In terms of natural regions, the city area is divided into three. North of the ridge lies the Ravensberg Upland, a structured arable and grassland landscape with incised stream valleys. To the south lies the sandy Senne at the edge of Westphalian Bay. Teutoburg Forest and Ravensberg Upland count to BfN natural region D36, the Senne belongs to natural region D34 (Westphalian Bay).
Characteristic flowing waters are the Johannis Stream, the Lutter and Bielefeld Aa, which spring from Osning and drain the city northward to the Weser. Their naturally-oriented stream valleys and wet meadows are valuable refuge areas in the densely settled space.
Economically, companies such as Dr. Oetker, Schüco, Goldbeck and Seidensticker and the von Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel and Bielefeld University characterise the city. As a growing major centre, Bielefeld regularly triggers compensation requirements under §§ 13 to 15 BNatSchG through housing, commerce and traffic.
🗺️ Associated natural regions
Go to natural region D36 ›
Go to natural region D34 ›
📍 City districts
🌿 Ecological features
- FFH site Sparrenburg, a site of only approximately six hectares that serves as a winter roost for 15 of the 20 bat species native to North Rhine-Westphalia, including the Bechstein's bat
- FFH site Eastern Teutoburg Forest with approximately 1,009 hectares in the city area of calcareous and slope beech forests and semi-dry grasslands such as Ox Heath
- Bird protection area Senne with Teutoburg Forest, part of the largest contiguous Natura 2000 complex in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Teutoburg Forest (Osning) as a forested ridge across the city area, topped by Sparrenburg
- Senne in the south of the city, a sandy heath and forest landscape at the north-east edge of Westphalian Bay
- Ravensberg Upland in the north with structured agricultural landscape and stream valleys of Johannis Stream and Lutter
✅ greeNature on the ground
greeNature operates nationally and plans, implements and manages compensation areas also outside its own Bavarian location. In Bielefeld we work according to the North Rhine-Westphalia Eco-Account Ordinance and the North Rhine-Westphalia Nature Conservation Act, coordinate with the Environment Office as lower nature conservation authority and know the natural region peculiarities between Senne, Teutoburg Forest and Ravensberg Upland.
Typical measures in the city of Bielefeld
Stream floodplains and flowing waters
Restoration of Johannis Stream, Lutter and Bielefeld Aa, removal of bank reinforcement and development of wet meadows in the valleys. This creates spawning and breeding habitats and strengthens the habitat network in urban areas.
Unsealing and urban nature
Removal of sealed land, conversion into green and woody vegetation and roof and facade greening. In the growing city, such measures are an effective contribution to compensation and climate adaptation.
Grassland enhancement in surrounding area
Conversion of intensively used arable land into species-rich, extensively managed grassland in Senne and Ravensberg Upland, habitat for meadow-breeding birds, insects and amphibians.
Forest conversion and old wood
Conversion of unnaturally managed coniferous forests at Teutoburg Forest to site-appropriate beech and mixed forests and targeted enrichment with old and dead wood. This benefits bats, woodpeckers and hazel dormouse.
Species protection CEF and FCS
Advance compensation measures under § 44 BNatSchG, such as substitute roosts for bats, sunny sandy habitats for sand lizard on slopes and railway embankments and new spawning waters, each coordinated with the specific project.
Hedgerows and habitat networks
Creation of hedgerows, copses, traditional orchards and margins in Ravensberg Upland and at settlement edges as stepping stones between forest, stream floodplain and open land.
Protected species in the Teutoburg Forest, Ravensberg Upland and Senne
Bats
The casemates of Sparrenburg are a significant winter roost where 15 of the 20 bat species native to North Rhine-Westphalia have been recorded, including the rare Bechstein's bat. Substitute roosts are required as a CEF measure during demolition and renovation of buildings.
About this species ›Sand lizard
The sandy soils of Senne as well as railway embankments and slopes provide the sand lizard with sunny habitats. In impacts, relocations and newly created sand structures with sunning and shelter sites are typical as a CEF measure.
About this species ›Kingfisher
The kingfisher breeds in steep banks on naturally-oriented sections of Johannis Stream, Lutter and Bielefeld Aa. Clean waters, bank collapses and a rich small fish supply are prerequisites for stable populations.
About this species ›Skylark
In the open field landscape of Senne and Ravensberg Upland, the skylark is a characteristic but declining breeding bird. Skylark windows and extensive field margins are among the proven support measures.
About this species ›Hazel dormouse
The strictly protected hazel dormouse inhabits the structure and berry-rich broadleaf and calcareous beech forests of Teutoburg Forest. Continuous forest edges, hedgerows and a rich shrub offer secure its habitats.
About this species ›Amphibians of stream valleys and Senne waters
Great crested newt, natterjack toad and other amphibians inhabit small water bodies in Senne and ditches in stream valleys. Creation and networking of fish-free, sunny spawning waters secure their breeding sites in construction projects.
About this species ›Which projects trigger a compensation obligation?
Housing and settlement development
As a growing major centre, Bielefeld develops new residential quarters and densifies existing city districts. Such projects require nature conservation compensation, owners of suitable land can participate as providers of compensation areas.
Commerce and industry
Large employers such as Dr. Oetker, Schüco, Goldbeck and Seidensticker as well as von Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel regularly expand sites and commercial land. These projects trigger compensation and replacement obligations under BNatSchG.
Traffic and infrastructure
The expansion of motorways and federal roads (such as A33 and Ostwestfalendamm), municipal through-routes and expansion of the urban rail network regularly lead to compensation requirements in the city.
Renewable energies
Free-area photovoltaics and wind energy at the city's edge and in surrounding area require species protection assessments and compensation, including CEF measures for open-land and forest species.
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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