The Rhine Valley boasts remarkable ecological diversity, the crown jewel of which is the alluvial forest. Remaining largely in its natural state and remarkable in more ways than one, it constitutes a rare ecosystem at both the national and European levels. One of these forests is on Rohrschollen Island, just 10 kilometres away from the city centre of Strasbourg. Listed as a national nature reserve since 1997, its ecosystem is now protected, much to the delight of its visitors.
The wild Rhine and its taming
When the Rhine was “wild”, the banks of the river formed a varied, ephemeral landscape, made up of a multitude of islands of different sizes. One of them, upstream from Strasbourg, was called “Rohrschollen Kopf”. It was a world in constant motion, changing with the variable water level. It boasted an exceptionally rich ecosystem with a lush forest, migratory fish, otters, beavers, crayfish, and more.
Although the Rhine provided many resources, when the water level rose, it could be devastating for people living nearby. Navigating the Rhine was also an uncertain undertaking.
Starting in the mid-nineteenth and through the twentieth century, people set about taming it and developing its riverbanks. But this development impacted the alluvial environment, which languished because the river’s equilibrium had been disrupted.
A national nature reserve, not far from the city centre
This new awareness led, in March 1997, to Rohrschollen Island being listed as a national nature reserve.
Now this protected environment is the perfect place to go for a walk and to get back to nature, not far from the city centre. Thanks to its forests, alluvial meadows, aquatic environments and more, a wide variety of landscapes are enjoyed by visitors, who can take any of the four trails to discover this unique ecosystem with its flora and fauna.
The nature reserve is also a top-tier birdwatching site, boasting no less than 158 listed bird species. Located on an important migration route, it welcomes many migratory bird species, who find food and refuge there. Over 4,000 water birds spend winter there every year.
For an incredible encounter with nature and its inhabitants, visit Rohrschollen Island!
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