Joint Press Release
Restored water pipeline revives rare butterfly habitat in Hesse
Marburg-Biedenkopf – A successful collaboration between Marburg-Biedenkopf district and the Regional Council (Regierungpräsidium, RP) of Gießen has restored a natural stream to the Maculinea Protection Area near Neustadt. Since late last year, the site—previously waterlogged due to a pipe rupture—has been made usable for agriculture once again. The project also benefits many native plant and animal species by channeling water into their habitats. Regional Council President Dr. Christoph Ullrich, District Administrator Jens Womelsdorf, and Neustadt Mayor Thomas Groll recently visited the site to assess the results, just in time for the start of spring.
The area, designated as a Flora-Fauna-Habitat (FFH) site, takes its name from the rare Maculinea butterfly found there. Following thorough planning, land provision by the town of Neustadt, and the issuance of water management permits, work began in January 2025 and was completed in September. The district's Rural Development and Consumer Protection department, acting on behalf of the RP Gießen's Upper Nature Conservation Authority, managed the project, which was funded by the state of Hesse under its Hesse Climate Plan 2030.
"This is an excellent example of cross-agency cooperation to strengthen nature—and proof that conservation and agricultural use can complement each other meaningfully rather than exclude one another," emphasized District Administrator Jens Womelsdorf.
"Implementing such measures and directing state funds into our Central Hesse region is a core task of my nature conservation departments, which have executed this project superbly, making our region an even better place to live," said Regional Council President Dr. Christoph Ullrich.
"I am deeply grateful to the staff from the district and the Regional Council for their commitment. Together, we have achieved something truly positive. I am confident this will lead to lasting improvements on the ground," added Neustadt Mayor Thomas Groll.
Pipe Burst in Historic Water Line Flooded Grasslands and Paths
A rupture in a historic water pipeline owned by the town of Neustadt—located in the Rohrhecke area near the border with Vogelsberg district—had been discharging large volumes of water since summer 2022, flooding up to three hectares of grassland and agricultural paths within the FFH site. Repairing the century-old pipe was not feasible due to its structural condition. However, alternative water supply solutions were quickly found for existing users. The most practical remedy was to redirect the emerging water above ground. An existing but long-dry drainage system was partially restored and extended with new sections. This presented an opportunity for large-scale ecological enhancement of the FFH area:
As part of this climate initiative, a landscape conservation team renaturalized the spring, restoring it to as close to its original state as possible. The newly formed stream was carefully directed to refill several long-dry still waters. This has recreated a vital habitat for climate-vulnerable species—such as fire salamanders, midwife toads, great crested newts, and European tree frogs—whose survival is increasingly threatened by climate change. These species now benefit from expanded habitats and the ability to migrate between them as needed.
A key advantage of the project is the year-round availability of spring water, which stabilizes the area's water balance. For example, it helps prevent aquatic habitats from drying out during summer droughts.
Authorities Draw Positive Conclusions from the Measures
As expected, a new aquatic habitat has successfully established itself over the summer.
A newly constructed, nature-friendly ford now allows the route to be used again by agricultural vehicles. Thanks to the installed stepping stones, the popular hiking trail Gauklerrunde can once more be traversed with dry feet.
The previously waterlogged grassland has also since dried out. The farmer managing the land is confident that the area will be suitable for haymaking again next summer—a crucial development for conservation, as the affected land is valuable, species-rich grassland. Prolonged waterlogging had threatened to render the area unusable for agriculture, risking the loss of protected habitats and species adapted to traditional farming practices. Regular mowing is essential to preserve the biodiversity found there.
"This project has succeeded in delivering benefits for biodiversity, nature conservation, outdoor recreation, and agriculture alike," say the district administrator, regional president, and mayor in a joint statement.
The work to restore and renaturalize the waterway system was carried out by a local landscape management company. The area is part of Natura 2000, the EU-wide network of protected sites designed to safeguard endangered habitats and species across borders. In Hesse, the regional councils (Regierungspräsidien) oversee these conservation efforts. In this case, the district took the lead in implementing measures near Neustadt, coordinating closely with the Regional Council of Gießen.
A film crew from Marburg documented the project, producing a short film now available on the district's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@MarburgBiedenkopfmeinLandkreis.
