Neersener Bruch is a nature reserve in Willich, in North Rhine-Westphalia, centred on a former quarry lake and its surrounding ponds.
You can follow a path around the lake, observe the reserve’s wetland habitats from the paths and keep to the rules that protect its wildlife. From a room at this three-star Willich hotel, the reserve is about an 18-minute drive.
- Location: Willich, in the district of Viersen.
- Setting: A former sand and gravel pit, with a main lake and two smaller ponds.
- Walk: A path with individual benches runs around the quarry lake.
- Key rule: Stay on the paths; dogs must be leashed.
The landscape of Neersener Bruch
Neersener Bruch is an 18.93-hectare nature reserve southeast of the Neersen motorway interchange. It has had legal nature-reserve status since 1999, following a designation process that began in 1997.
A former sand and gravel pit makes up most of the reserve. Trees line its steep shores, while a narrow belt of reeds edges the main quarry lake. The reserve also includes a shaded pond to the south and a smaller pond northwest of the lake. Standing water covers 7.10 hectares of the area.
Reeds and floating-leaf plants are part of the habitat the reserve is intended to protect, along with rare wild plants and threatened wildlife. Recorded plants include yellow and white water-lilies, common reed and floating lesser duckweed.
Conservation aims also include protecting breeding places for rare and threatened birds and a stopover site for migrating birds. Pferdebroich near Willich is another local landmark with walking ideas.
Walking routes and what to look for
A path with individual benches runs around the main quarry lake, giving you a defined route through the reserve. Stay on the paths and leave the smaller ponds and shoreline habitats undisturbed.
The lake’s reeds and floating-leaf plants are among the features the reserve protects. The site record also identifies a bat winter roost in the spoil heap of a former brickworks and an amphibian breeding pond. Great crested grebes and coots were recorded at the quarry lake in 2017, but that past observation does not guarantee current sightings.
Neersener Bruch is enclosed, and the lake is used for fishing. Restrictions on fishing and reduced recreational traffic form part of the conservation approach. For another local outing, Schloss Neersen and its grounds offer a different setting in Willich.
Access and local transport
Neersener Bruch lies southeast of the Neersen motorway interchange. Motor vehicles are allowed only on public roads, and the reserve’s rules identify designated places where angling is excluded. The rules also prohibit swimming, watercraft, camping, fires, drones and collecting plants.
Keep dogs on a leash and stay on the paths while walking. These restrictions help limit disturbance in a reserve with protected water habitats and wildlife. The reserve is associated with Kreis Viersen’s Landscape Plan No. 9, “Willicher Lehmplatte.”
FAQs
What can you see at Neersener Bruch?
The reserve includes a quarry lake, reed-fringed water, two smaller ponds and plants such as water-lilies and common reed. Its habitats support conservation aims for rare plants, threatened wildlife and birds.
Can you walk around the lake?
Yes. A path with individual benches runs around the main quarry lake. Visitors must remain on paths throughout the reserve.
Can you swim or take a boat on the lake?
No. The reserve rules prohibit swimming and watercraft, as well as camping, fires, drones and collecting plants.
Are dogs allowed in Neersener Bruch?
The rules listing requires dogs to be kept on a leash. Check the official site before you go.