Falkenberger Krugwiesen, Berlin

50Hertz Transmission GmbH is expanding the existing Malchow substation in Wartenberg (Lichtenberg district). The resulting impacts on nature and landscape, including effects on faunal species, are offset through compensation measures within the Falkenberger Krugwiesen Landscape Protection Area (LSG). The planning is based on the maintenance and development plan prepared by FJP in 2023.

The approximately 3.2-hectare project area lies within the 42-hectare landscape protection area in the north of Lichtenberg and serves ecological enhancement as well as the improvement of the landscape character. Within four defined intervention areas, existing woodland—particularly invasive non-native species—is reduced, open meadow areas are developed, and the largely desiccated historic ditch system is cleared, re-profiled and extended. The objective is to restore the former sewage field and ditch structure and to improve water conveyance, including the use of rainwater from surrounding developments to supply Lake Hohenschönhausen.

The measures include species-rich grasslands, graduated woodland edges, biotope structures and the construction of a new ditch for sustainable rainwater management. In addition, a pedestrian bridge and seating areas are provided. The intervention areas comprise the Western Ditch Meadow with Southern Meadow Area (M1), the Eastern Play Meadow (M2), the Coca-Cola Hill with species-rich slope meadow (M3), and the ditch system (M4).

The overall aim is to promote biodiversity, make the historic landscape structure legible, and strengthen the area’s recreational function. All planting and seeding is carried out using locally native plant material. Nature conservation requirements, particularly with regard to amphibians, are taken into account. Establishment and maintenance care will be provided over a period of three years to ensure the sustainable development of the new habitats.

Western Ditch Meadow with Southern Meadow Area (M1)
The Western Ditch Meadow and the adjoining southern area are developed into open to semi-open meadow landscapes with individual trees, groups of trees and graduated woodland margins. Dead or heavily reduced poplars are retained as habitat trees for bird and beetle species. The creation of species-rich mesic meadows, biotope areas and structurally diverse edge zones provides a varied habitat for flora and fauna.

Eastern Play Meadow (M2)
The previously overgrown area is transformed into an attractive meadow and play space. Individual trees and groups of trees structure the open grassland, while graduated woodland edges and tall herb communities promote biodiversity. Seeding is carried out exclusively with locally native species, including specialised mixes for butterflies and wild bees.

Coca-Cola Hill (M3)
The former, heavily overgrown slope is cleared to open up views and establish a species-rich slope meadow. Retained shrub and woodland islands protect the area from excessive use. The slopes are sown with mesic meadow mixtures, visitor paths are upgraded, and seating is installed. This creates a near-natural recreational space of high ecological value.

Ditch System (M4)
The historic ditch system is uncovered, re-profiled and extended. This includes the construction of a new northern ditch as well as the restoration of the southern, eastern and western ditches. The aim is to reinstate the former sewage field and water conveyance system, including the use of rainwater from surrounding developments to supply Lake Hohenschönhausen. Biotope structures and marginal vegetation are created along the ditches, enhancing both ecological function and the visibility of the historic landscape structure.