Eco-points in natural region D47
Osthessisches Bergland (Vogelsberg und Rhön)
Eco-points and compensation areas true to the natural region D47, assessed under the Hessian Kompensationsverordnung (KV) using the habitat value procedure. greeNature plans and manages compensation nationwide and is familiar with the nature conservation authorities in Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia.
Natural region D47 at a glance
The natural region D47, Osthessisches Bergland und Vogelsberg, comprises a wooded upland region at the heart of Germany. It is centred in East Hesse, extending south-east and east into the Bavarian and Thuringian Rhön. Defining features are the Vogelsberg, an extensive shield volcano, and the neighbouring Rhön, which is separated from the Vogelsberg by the valley of the Fulda.
Geologically, basalt volcanism shapes the landscape. The Vogelsberg is the largest contiguous basalt massif in Europe, and the surrounding volcanic area, at around 2,500 km², is among the largest in Central Europe. Beneath and alongside the volcanic layers, Buntsandstein and Muschelkalk occur, which, together with loess deposits, create a small-scale, varied range of sites.
Ecologically, the montane meadows of the Hohe Rhön and the higher elevations of the Vogelsberg are of national importance. The spring- and water-rich Oberwald, with its near-natural mixed beech woodland, species-rich extensively managed grassland, hedgerows and traditional orchards, together with the watercourses of the Fulda and Haune, form a close-knit web of habitats. Large parts lie within the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and extensive Natura 2000 sites, including the large-scale Vogelsberg EU Special Protection Area.
For the impact mitigation regulation under sections 13 to 15 BNatSchG, the Kompensationsverordnung (KV) applies in Hesse as the principal state. Impacts and compensation are assessed using the habitat value procedure, with each habitat type assigned a point value (eco-point). Balances can be recorded and transferred through recognised eco-accounts held with the nature conservation authorities. The reference area is the affected natural region, which is why measures true to the natural region are preferred in D47, both technically and legally. In the Bavarian and Thuringian parts, the respective state regulations apply.
📍 Districts covered
🌿 Ecological features
- Vogelsberg: the largest contiguous basalt massif in Europe
- The Rhön, at the tripoint of Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Montane meadows of the Hohe Rhön and the higher elevations of the Vogelsberg, of national importance
- Near-natural Oberwald with spring-rich mixed beech woodland
- The large-scale Vogelsberg EU Special Protection Area
- The Wasserkuppe (950 m) as the highest peak in Hesse
- The European wildcat and black stork as flagship species of the contiguous woodland areas
✅ greeNature in this region
greeNature operates nationwide and supports compensation projects in the natural region D47 across state borders. We know the Hessian Kompensationsverordnung and the habitat value procedure, as well as the requirements of the lower nature conservation authorities in East Hesse and the neighbouring regions in Bavaria and Thuringia. From the search for land through assessment to long-term management and documentation for the authorities, we manage the entire process.
Typical measures in natural region D47
Montane meadows and extensively managed grassland
Restoration and extensive management of species-rich montane and wet meadows in the Vogelsberg and Rhön, enhancing conditions for meadow birds and insects, and with a high habitat value under the KV.
Near-natural woodland conversion
Development of site-appropriate mixed beech woodland in the Oberwald, enrichment with old and dead wood as well as habitat trees, providing habitat for bats and cavity-nesting birds.
Watercourses and springs
Restoration of the Fulda, Haune and upland streams, unshackling of banks, planting of riparian woodland, and securing of the numerous spring areas in the water-rich uplands.
CEF and FCS species protection
Advance measures (CEF) and coherence-securing measures (FCS) for the European wildcat, black stork and bats, such as woodland-edge design, crossing aids and roost protection under section 44 BNatSchG.
Hedgerows and traditional orchards
New planting and management of hedgerows, field copses and traditional orchards for habitat connectivity in the open cultural landscape of the basin locations and plateaus.
Bogs and wetland habitats
Rewetting of drained bog and wet sites in the Hohe Rhön, and the creation of small water bodies as spawning habitats for amphibians.
Protected species in the Osthessisches Bergland (Vogelsberg und Rhön)
European wildcat
The contiguous broadleaf woodland of the Vogelsberg and Rhön is among the core habitats of the European wildcat. Woodland-edge enhancement, habitat connectivity and crossing aids are typical measures to secure movement corridors.
About this species ›Black stork
As a disturbance-sensitive breeding bird of undisturbed woodland with streams, the black stork breeds in the natural region. Quiet woodland areas and intact, fish-rich watercourses are essential for its protection.
About this species ›Bats
Beech woodland rich in old and dead wood, together with traditional orchards, provide roosts for Bechstein's bat, the greater mouse-eared bat and the barbastelle bat. Roost and hunting habitat measures can be incorporated into compensation.
About this species ›Kingfisher
On near-natural stretches of the Fulda, Haune and tributary streams, the kingfisher is present as a breeding bird of steep eroded banks. Watercourse restoration and the creation of steep banks benefit the species.
About this species ›Amphibians
The yellow-bellied toad and great crested newt inhabit spring-fed wet sites and small water bodies. The creation of sunlit ponds and seasonally wet hollows produces new spawning waters and habitat value.
About this species ›Meadow-breeding birds of the montane meadows
The whinchat, meadow pipit and great grey shrike characterise the montane meadows of the Hohe Rhön and the higher elevations of the Vogelsberg. Extensive mowing and late mowing dates preserve their breeding populations.
Your route to eco-points in D47
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.
Eco-points in neighbouring natural regions
All about natural region D47
Request eco-points in natural region D47
We will promptly prepare a transparent offer with matching eco-points held in stock in the Osthessisches Bergland (Vogelsberg und Rhön).