It was an absolutely fascinating day - so different to our South African National Parks.
The historical aspects of the Vogelsang Centre, formally 'Ordensburg Vogelsang' (see also here and here), an 'education camp' of the National Socialist Regime reminded me very much of the historical aspects of Robben Island - but more about that later.
Eifel National Park is the first national park in the North Rhein - Westphalia province of Germany. it is near the border of Germany, Neatherlands and Belgium.
We passed numerous wind farms on the way there.
Beautiful broad-leafed decidious foreats as we entered the park.
Delegates were recommended to wear stout walking shoes for the field trip.
Mmmmmm!
Our 'English Group' guide was Dr Michael Röös.
He was an excellent guide and kept us well informed and entertained at all times.
We were taken on a short walk through the 'Management Area' which was, for the last 60 years, has been military exercise area, heavily used by tanks, armoured vehicles, and troops.
The area is largely grassland, managed currently using grazing by domestic sheep, with largish pockets of Norway spruce.
The Norway Spruce is not indigenous but is a good timber species, grows well up on the 500m high plateau and is not browsed heavily by the primary large herbivores (Red deer, Roe deer, Muflon and domestic sheep). Some broad-leafed local species, such as beech are being introduced into some of the patches of forest but these patches have be surrounded by fences to keep out the large herbivores until these introduced trees have grown big enough.
A flock of domestic with their shepherd and his dogs.
He is due to retire this year as the park management is phasing out management by sheep grazing.
A real German Shepherd with his sheep dogs!
And after the walk, off in the bus to Voegelsang.
Note the Black Lion emblem of the recently departed Belgian troops to the left of the gate.
The day was European Day of Parks on which all Nature Parks/Reserves celebrate.
The celebration at Eifel National Park included a craft fair, musical entertainment and stations (gazebos) manned by scientists working in the park where they displayed specimens and info about their work.
Mr Schröeder weaving baskets.
Some of Schröeder's basketware.
Wool spinning and weaving.
My evening constitutional down to the Rhine
Just look at this beautiful vessel
... and another beauty ...
... and - arghhhh - no!!!
I admire the German's general impeccable taste
The Moby Dick must be one of that nation's notable lapses in this regard ...
... unless - well if you include the floating Chinese restaurant then maybe two notable lapses!!
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