Research Station for Central European Highlands
In 1969, the Senckenberg Nature Research Society founded a re-search station
in the Hessian Spessart to study the biodiversity of highland regions. Known
as „Lochmühle“ the station, nestled in a former railway station,
has aimed at studying temporal and spatial dynamics of highland habitats and
their inhabitants throughout central Europe.
This unique institute tackles both basic and applied research, hand in hand,
helping scientists and the local people to better understand and sustainably
manage their environment. The station supports regional development and conservation
efforts in numerous projects and offers expert surveys and appraisals.
Here a special emphasis lies on monitoring species development (biomonitoring)
and quality control of expert surveys in applied sciences.
The basis for this work lies in scientific study of numerous disciplines including
stream ecology (limnology), botany, taxonomy and systematics, molecular and
classic biogeography, geology and geomorphology. Integrating Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) enables a spatial analysis of scientific data.
By offering excursions, lectures and courses for adults and children, the
station effectively promotes environmental education in the area. Both at a
regional landscape-specific and at a scientific level, it here-by helps safeguard
and pass on knowledge and awareness for the natural resources of highland areas.
To enhance regional aspects of research, there is a close co-opera-tion with
the J.H. Cassebeer-Gesellschaft, a non-profit association indebted to promoting
biological studies with regional aspects and environmental education throughout
all age groups within the region.
The Spessart - Model Area for Highland Research
The Spessart remains one of the largest coherent forested areas in Germany.
Agricultural land use is relatively extensive, which together with its sparse
population make this sandstone region representative for wide areas of the German
highlands. It thus represents an ideal model area for studying highland ecosystems.
Highlands boast richly structured ecosystems hosting an extra-ordinary diversity
of plants and animals and have thus become an important compensation-resource
for the overcrowded industrial and urban settlements. Some research projects
at the station are directly connected with the Spessart region, while others
have a relevance for the land use and protection of all central European highlands.
How to get there
The Research Station for Central European Highlands lies on the K889 between
the village of Wiesen in Frankonia, Bavaria and the community Bieber in the
municipality of Biebergemünd in Hesse.