It’s a cool morning and the first light of the day is breaking through the trees as we gather at the edge of the restored peatland in Germany. The air is clear and fresh with a hint of discovery. Ann Christin Kornelsen, a passionate peatland researcher, is already waiting for us with a beaming smile and an enthusiasm that is infectious.
With the first step into the peatland beneath our feet, we feel the springy, yielding nature of the ground. Ann Christin begins to tell us about the importance of restoration and the role it plays in revitalizing these impressive ecosystems.
As we walk on, she points out a group of sundew plants, their sticky tentacles glistening in the morning light. “They are carnivorous,” she explains, “and have adapted perfectly to the nutrient-poor peatland.” Further ahead, we discover a bed of moss and Ann Christin lifts up a small piece. “Moss stores an enormous amount of water and helps to keep the peatland moist,” she says.
A soft buzzing attracts our attention and we see a multitude of insects dancing across the surface of the water. Dragonflies in iridescent shades of blue and green flit about, while water beetles make their rounds. Life here is diverse and fascinating.
Suddenly someone in our group stops and points to a sunny spot on the ground. A marsh lizard basks in the sun, its emerald-green skin shimmering in the light. We all hold our breath so as not to disturb the animal and watch its calm movements with fascination.
The two hours fly by and before we know it, our hike is coming to an end. Ann Christin summarizes her thoughts: “The peatland is a living archive, a witness to history and a keeper of biodiversity. With our renaturation, we are giving it a chance to recover and show us the wonders of its existence again.”
As we leave the peatland, it feels as if we are waking up from a dream. Our eyes now see the landscape in a different light, and in our hearts we have a deep respect and admiration for this unique environment. With the knowledge and stories that Ann Christin gave us, this hike will certainly remain in our memories for a long time.
