Schwanheim dunes near Frankfurt. A dune in the middle of a region characterised by low mountain ranges - that seems very unusual at first. But in fact, the Schwanheimer Düne is one of the rarest dunes in Europe. The area, which was designated a nature reserve by the state of Hesse in 1984, is home to some rare plants (silver grass) and animals (lizards). The rustic-looking landscape is accessible to visitors via a boardwalk. The Schwanheimer Düne was created around 10,000 years ago as a result of the last ice age. The wind blew fine sand out of the riverbed of the Main. But man also contributed to this rarity by clearing the tree cover thousands of years later. As plants can only take root slowly on the barren soil, the dune migrated. It was not until the end of the 19th century that it "settled down" and became stranded in its current location in the west of Schwanheim. The typical plant community of an inland dune, the ecologically valuable silver grassland, developed on the quartz-sand mixture. In addition to the silver grass, its representatives include the pioneer plant mustard and the sand clove. The lean sand is also home to pine trees, whose bizarre growth is reminiscent of the vegetation of distant, inhospitable sea coasts.
Amateur photographer with advanced knowledge, retired for 6 years. Made my first experiences with photography as an employee at CANON and now, after many stations, take photos digitally with the Pentax K1 MK II and various lenses. My main focus is difficult to define. .. Read more…