Zweig eines Hagebuttenstrauchs mit roten Früchten im Vordergrund. Im Hintergrund eine ländliche Landschaft mit grünen Wiesen, Bäumen und einem Holzzaun. copyright: OBK

Nature & Landscape

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Weite Wiesenlandschaft mit gemähtem Gras im Vordergrund, umgeben von Wald am Horizont. Der Himmel ist blau mit weißen Wolken. Ein Hochsitz ist links sichtbar.

The preservation of the unique cultural landscape shaped by water, forest, and grassland, which has developed over centuries in the Oberbergischer Kreis, is a challenging task that forestry, agriculture, and nature conservation can only tackle together.


Forests and agricultural lands, as well as the many flowing and stagnant water bodies, fulfill several important functions: besides the economic aspect, ecosystem services (e.g., habitats for animals and plants, climate protection, water protection, and recreational functions) play a significant role in the open landscape.


An intact nature offers the many animal and plant species in the Oberbergischer Kreis a hopeful future even in times of climate change.

The Oberbergischer Kreis aims to achieve this goal through its Climate Environment Nature Oberberg program with the help of the projects and measures described therein and in collaboration with the involved cooperation partners.

Habitats & Landscape Protection

Landscape planning

Landscape plans ensure the preservation of our habitats through protection, care, and development. They regulate the handling of nature reserves, landscape protection areas, and natural monuments to maintain biodiversity and quality of life.

Protected Areas and Objects

Nature reserves, landscape protection areas, and natural monuments in the Oberbergischer Kreis are unique habitats and impressive nature preserved through comprehensive protective measures.

Contract-Based Nature Conservation OKULA

The Oberbergisch Cultural Landscape Program (OKULA) has been supporting farmers for over 25 years in securing habitats worthy of protection through environmentally friendly farming practices. Funding comes from the EU, the state, and the district.

Interventions and Construction Projects

In construction projects, species protection regulations must be observed to protect protected animals and their habitats. For smaller projects, self-disclosure may suffice; larger interventions require expert reports.

Biological Station Oberberg

The Biological Station Oberberg is a non-profit association funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and the Oberberg district. Its tasks include managing protected areas, biotope maintenance, and providing professional support to the Oberberg district in managing contract nature conservation areas.

Nature Conservation Advisory Board

The Nature Conservation Advisory Board is composed of various experts, contributes to the protection, care, and development of the landscape, and advises the nature conservation authority. The members work on a voluntary basis and represent various interest groups.

Agriculture and Forestry

Oberberg Forest

The impact of climate change becomes visible to many people through the example of forests. Under the impression of the widespread spruce dieback since 2018, numerous citizens, as well as the Oberberg District Council, have approached the district administration to take action in this area and reconcile the diverse interests of forestry, hunting, and nature conservation.

District forest

The Oberbergischer Kreis is focusing on future-oriented forest restructuring: moving away from vulnerable monocultures towards diverse mixed forests. The goal is a stable, natural forest that protects the climate, provides wood, and offers recreational space.

Contract-Based Nature Conservation OKULA

The Oberbergisch Cultural Landscape Program (OKULA) has been supporting farmers for over 25 years in securing habitats worthy of protection through environmentally friendly farming practices. Funding comes from the EU, the state, and the district.