The "Steine und Mehr" cycle route leads through the European bird sanctuary, which was designated in 2004.
The bird sanctuary covers large parts of the Hellwegbörde from Unna in the west to Salzkotten in the east. The area, which covers almost 500 square kilometers, is home to a large number of typical but now rare bird species of the open landscape.
There are significant international breeding populations of Montagu's harriers, marsh harriers and corncrakes. As a resting and transit area, the Hellwegbörde is particularly important for the Mornell's and golden plover as well as the red and black kite and other endangered species.
Montagu's harrier:
The Montagu's harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey with a body length of 38-44 cm and a wingspan of 102-116 cm. There are only around 450 breeding pairs left in Germany.
The biggest problems for the Montagu's harrier are the changes in the landscape. They nest in winter cereal fields and alfalfa. Foraging is becoming increasingly difficult due to intensive farming and the fact that fallow land has largely disappeared. The fox and wild boar are natural enemies that pose a threat to the survival of young Montagu's harriers.