• August 7, 2024

The restoration of the Häsener Luch: Perspectives on history, culture, and future

In the heart of Brandenburg lies the Häsener Luch fen complex. Once a thriving ecosystem teeming with life, it has undergone significant changes over the past century. Today, the area is largely drained, but parts of it will be re-wetted over the coming years as part of our LIFE Multi Peat project.

But how do the people of Häsen feel about "their" peatlands? What memories are associated with the area? And what expectations do the residents of Häsen—a small community in Löwenberger Land—have regarding the project?

To answer these questions, we carried out a sociocultural survey in Häsen in 2023, conducting twelve qualitative interviews. The goal was to gain insights into personal experiences, historical knowledge, and perspectives on the planned re-wetting measures.

Diving into the past

Residents of Häsen described the development of the Häsener Luch over the past decades. Before the extensive drainage measures in the 1970s, the Häsener Luch played a multifaceted role in their lives. For many, it was more than just a piece of land - it was an important fishing spot, a playground for children, and a refuge for flora and fauna.

The era of drainage

The 1970s marked a turning point, as many residents recounted in the interviews. The melioration efforts aimed to remove water from the landscape and thus alter its nature. The former wetlands were transformed into grasslands optimised for intensive agricultural use. With the removal of the water, the rich biodiversity that once thrived here also disappeared. The fish vanished from the streams, the singing of birds and the buzzing of insects grew quieter, as some residents recalled in our survey conversations.

A new chapter: LIFE Multi Peat

Today, the LIFE Multi Peat project represents occasion to hope for improved water retention in the landscape. In dialogue with the community, we are trying to better understand local perceptions of the ongoing rewetting measures. The interviewees, whether landowners, longtime residents, or representatives of local interests, share their memories, hopes, and concerns.

Looking to the uture

As we piece together the puzzle of Häsener Luch’s past, we also look to the future. Transparent communication and long-term commitment are essential. Our survey creates a connection between the rewetting efforts and the lived experiences of the Häsen population. And it has demonstrated both the support for LIFE Multi Peat and the concerns for the period after 2026 when the project will be completed.