Restoration work has commenced at the former Wouldham Camp military site in Hameln. Representatives from the Federal Institute for Real Estate Tasks (BImA), the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), and the City of Hameln officially launched the transformation of the former training ground into a near-natural floodplain landscape along the Weser. The project, which is part of the federal programme 'Blue Ribbon Germany' (BBD) and the 'Natural Climate Protection Action Programme' (ANK), pursues the goals of flood protection, biodiversity, and natural climate protection. It is one of the largest restoration projects on a former military site in Germany, returning nearly twelve hectares to nature.
Dorothee Martin, a member of the BImA executive board, emphasised that more than just a nature conservation project was emerging in Hameln, as it demonstrated how former military sites could be transformed into valuable natural and climate protection areas. Sabine Riewenherm, President of the BfN, added that near-natural floodplains are essential for adapting to climate change, as they strengthen natural climate and flood protection, as well as biodiversity. She expressed her delight that this would be realised in the future through the 'Wouldham Camp' project at this location. The Mayor of Hameln, Claudio Griese, highlighted that the project demonstrates the effectiveness of federal and municipal cooperation and enriches Hameln with a natural area.
Wouldham Camp served as a water training area for the British Army of the Rhine for decades. After the withdrawal of British forces, the site became the property of BImA. Its topographical location in the Weser's floodplain offers ideal conditions for restoring a natural floodplain landscape. Burkhard Schneider, Head of BImA's Federal Forest business unit, explained that the prerequisites for restoration were created with the demolition of seven buildings and three bridges and the unsealing of over three hectares, already completed by summer 2025. Extensive earthworks are now beginning, involving the movement of approximately 30,000 cubic metres of soil across the 11.7-hectare site.
The restoration aims to create a near-natural, water-influenced floodplain landscape with new inflow channels from the Weser and its tributary, the Humme. These areas will also function as a natural flood zone and a habitat for numerous species. The development of the site is divided into three zones:
- —In the northern area, flood channels will be created along the Weser.
- —In the southwest, a near-natural floodplain forest will develop along the Humme.
- —The southeast will be equipped with structurally and species-rich grassland, which is to be extensively grazed.
Endangered species such as the beaver, kingfisher, and house martin will benefit from this restoration. After the completion of the works, it is planned that the newly created floodplain forest biotopes will be able to develop largely without human intervention. The project differs from classical conversion projects by focusing on the development of a diverse natural landscape instead of re-development. It combines natural flood protection, biodiversity, biotope connectivity, and climate protection. The unsealing also contributes to improving the urban climate in Hameln.
The project is being implemented by the BImA Federal Forestry Office Lower Saxony. Planning took place in close cooperation with the BfN and the city. The project is part of the federal programme 'Blue Ribbon Germany' (BBD) and is funded within the framework of the 'Natural Climate Protection Action Programme' (ANK) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection.
