One of the most bird-protection-significant areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, combining beech forests, heathlands, and bog landscapes.
Senne mit Teutoburger Wald
Senne mit Teutoburger Wald is a designated European Bird Protection Area (EU-Vogelschutzgebiet) in the eastern part of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Established in March 2001, the site covers roughly 154 square kilometres and stretches across parts of the Gütersloh, Lippe, and Paderborn districts, with its core area largely overlapping the military training grounds of the Truppenübungsplatz Senne.
The protected landscape is defined by a striking ecological contrast: extensive closed forest complexes with a high share of beech woodlands sit immediately adjacent to the most significant heathland area in North Rhine-Westphalia. Open sand dunes support dry heath and nutrient-poor grassland, while wet heath, bog formations, and near-natural streams add to the habitat diversity.
Because of its habitat composition, its landscape history, and its sheer size, the area is considered one of the most important bird-protection sites in the state. A large number of Habitats Directive habitat types provide the foundation for a regionally outstanding assemblage of breeding and migratory bird species, including several rare owls, woodpeckers, and raptors.
