In The National Park of the Lower Oder Valley (12/12)

In The National Park of the Lower Oder Valley (12/12)

This National Park situated alongside the River Oder is Germany's only natural river-bank landscape, which is still dominated by the annual rhythm of the river. Unrestrained by human intervention, masses of water surge unhindered over the expanses of the river-banks without causing any damage. Europe's largest rodent, the beaver, which was almost extinct in the mid-19th century, has found a refuge here. In addition, the Park is also a breeding paradise for over 100 bird species. Brandenburg's oldest protected grey heron colony has its home here; cormorants have ideal nesting places; various shearwaters live in direct proximity. On the embankment the shy kingfisher burrows his breeding niches. In the dry-grass regions of the Oder slopes steppe plants flower which are usually only to be found in south-east Europe, and this is the northernmost spot where the adonis or pheasant's eye is to be found. In future the Lower Oder Valley will be the first International Park: the German-Polish National Park will become a border-crossing refuge for nature.