A white butterfly on a field scabious in a species-rich meadow
Saarland · SNG / BNatSchG (Ökokonto)
Natural region D52 · D42 · D49

Eco-points and compensation areas
District of Merzig-Wadern

Immediately available eco-points from recognised eco-accounts and compensation areas. greeNature is your full-service partner for nature conservation compensation in Merzig-Wadern district, active nationwide.

557
km² district area
~104k
Inhabitants
7
Municipalities
14
Natural regions
~187
Merzig-Wadern is a district in the eastern Saarland, in the Saargau and Hochwald region between the Saar, the Moselle and the Luxembourg border. On an area of 626.5 km² with a relatively high vegetation share, around 65,000 inhabitants live in the district. The district was formed by merger in 1974. Merzig-Wadern is characterised by varied nature and landscape, with FFH and species protection areas as well as extensive forestry.
District of and ecology

The District of Merzig-Wadern at a glance

In terms of natural regions, Merzig-Wadern belongs primarily to the Saar-Nahe Mountains and Hills (natural region D52) with the Saargau and Hochwald as regionally distinctive landscape features. The heavily forested district in the eastern part, with beech and oak forests on Devonian slates, transitions in the west to more open Saargau landscape with Muschelkalk soils, grassy hills and cultivation. The rivers Saar and Nied flow through the district.

Ecologically, Merzig-Wadern is rich in species and habitats. The FFH areas Saar valley (6604-301) and Hochwald (6606-371) protect significant forest and stream habitats. Numerous species such as bats, birds of prey, black stork and dragonflies make this landscape valuable. The district economy is based on forestry, small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture and tourism. Compensation requirements arise from residential construction, commercial development, infrastructure and forestry. greeNature advises project developers on compensation in line with the BfN nature conservation standards and Saarland law.

Merzig (city)

Wadern

A white butterfly on a field scabious in a species-rich meadow

🗺️ Associated natural regions

D52
Saar-Nahe-Berg- und Hügelland
Go to natural region D52 ›
D49
Gutland (Bitburger Land)
Go to natural region D49 ›

📍 Selected municipalities

Merzig (seat)WadernLosheim am SeeMettlachBeckingenPerlWeiskirchen

🌿 Ecological features

  • Wadern-Steinberg
  • Beuchelt
  • Greimerath
  • FFH area Saar valley (6604-301) with near-natural stream meanders and riparian forests along the Saar
  • FFH area Hochwald (6606-371) with extensive forest complexes and species-rich mixed forests on Devonian slate
  • Nature reserve Haardwald with extensive deciduous forests and stream valleys in the forest-rich east
  • Saargau landscape with open Muschelkalk hills and cultural landscape in the western part of the district

✅ greeNature on the ground

Saar and Nied as flowing waters with dynamic floodplains and habitat value for water-bound species

Compensation in the district

Typical measures in the district of Merzig-Wadern

🌊

Extensive forest cover with beech and oak forests, habitat for woodland species including bats and forest birds

greeNature is active nationwide and develops compensation and eco-account areas in Merzig-Wadern district according to Saarland law. We know the legal requirements for compensation in Saarland, the assessment of impacts on nature and landscape and the coordination with the lower nature conservation authority in Merzig-Wadern from project practice. From land search to long-term securing and monitoring, we provide comprehensive support.

🌳

Restoration and re-establishment of riparian forests

Near-natural restoration of stream sections, removal of channel reinforcements and establishment of diverse riparian vegetation. These measures restore aquatic habitats for fish, dragonflies and water birds whilst creating habitat for kingfisher and water shrews.

🍎

Forest conversion and woodland improvement

Conversion of monoculture forests into species-rich, mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with structural diversity. Dead wood retention and the creation of forest edges promote insects, woodpeckers, bats and other woodland species.

🌾

Wet meadow and heathland development

Creation and management of wet meadows and heathland habitats, important for meadow-breeding birds, amphibians and specialised insects. These habitats develop from the targeted extensification and rewetting of agricultural land.

💧

Hedgerow and biotope network creation

Establishment and management of hedgerows, shrub corridors and stepping-stone habitats in the landscape. These structural elements network habitats, support field birds and small mammals and strengthen the ecological connectivity.

🦇

Species protection CEF and FCS

Building and tree quarters for bats, breeding habitats for birds of prey and ground-breeding birds, as well as amphibian ponds, each tailored according to species requirements and Saarland law.

Species diversity

Protected species in the Saargau and Hochwald in the three-country corner

🐈

Bats

Multiple strictly protected bat species live in the forests and buildings of the district. Old forests with cavities, diverse forest structures and hunting areas rich in insects are essential. CEF and FCS measures include quarter securing, forest conversion and habitat creation.

About this species ›
🐦

Kingfisher

The kingfisher is found at the Saar and Nied where streams are near-natural with sufficient cover and good fish populations. Stream restoration and habitat securing are typical compensation measures for the species.

About this species ›
🦇

Black stork

The black stork uses the extensive forest complexes of Hochwald for breeding. It is highly sensitive to disturbance and requires large, undisturbed woodland areas. Forest-related compensation measures should avoid disruption to these birds.

About this species ›
🐟

Birds of prey

Red kite, white-tailed eagle and other birds of prey require open hunting areas and undisturbed breeding sites in forest complexes. Measures that maintain and enhance suitable habitats are beneficial.

About this species ›
🐸

Amphibians

In the wet areas, forest clearings and ditches of the district, various amphibian species breed. Pond creation, rewetting of depressions and connectivity measures between aquatic habitats are effective compensation measures.

About this species ›
🌰

Dragonflies

Clear streams with diverse aquatic vegetation and temporary and permanent water bodies host numerous dragonfly species. Stream restoration and pond creation promote these insects and their larvae.

About this species ›
Typical projects

Which projects trigger a compensation obligation?

🛣️

Residential construction and infill

New residential areas and urban development in Merzig and other municipalities trigger impacts on soil and vegetation. Compensation is provided through grassland enhancement, greening and creation of habitat networks.

🌬️

Forestry and woodland development

Forest tending, conversion of monocultures into mixed forests and nature-compatible forestry generate compensation needs that are met through forest conversion, heathland creation and species protection measures.

🏭

Commercial and industrial expansion

Industrial and commercial areas require land and generate impacts. Compensation is provided through habitat creation in surrounding areas, landscape ecological restructuring and biodiversity enhancement.

🏘️

Road and transport infrastructure

Road construction and railway projects impact habitats. Compensation is achieved through woodland improvement, riparian forest restoration, hedgerow creation and wildlife crossing facilities.

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.

Neighbouring districts

Eco-points in adjoining districts

SA
District of Saarlouis
Southern border with Luxembourg
Frequently asked questions

All about eco-points
in the district of Merzig-Wadern

Stabsstelle Naturschutz, Kreisverwaltung Merzig-Wadern, Auf der Laibach 2, 66663 Merzig
In Saarland, impacts are assessed based on the nature protection legislation of Saarland (SNatSchG) and the Saarland compensation regulations. The assessment of impacts and compensation requirements is based on ecological criteria and biotope valuation. greeNature determines the correct assessment for your project.
Legally protected species in the district include bats, kingfisher, black stork, birds of prey, ground-breeding birds and amphibians. For these species, preliminary CEF measures are often required to avoid disturbance during construction. We advise you on all species protection requirements.
Yes. Suitable areas are forests, grasslands, wetlands, riparian zones and hedgerow sites. Through an eco-account, enhancements can be implemented in advance and later offset against compensation requirements. You remain owner and receive usage compensation. greeNature manages the entire process.
Compensation in Merzig-Wadern district according to Saarland nature conservation law.
Saarbrücken and surrounding area
Get in touch

Request eco-points in the district of Merzig-Wadern

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