Starting point: The Fuhse runs between Theodor-Heuss-Straße and Autobahn 39 in a heavily straightened and monotonous course. It flows through predominantly intensively farmed areas.

The aim: In this section, the Fuhse is to be given a new course so that it has more space. It should also develop more naturally again.

The long-term goal: more nature conservation and species protection in this section.

At the same time, the network of paths for local recreational use is to be redesigned, whereby the quality of the area is also to be improved and aspects of environmental education (learning location for daycare centers and schools) are to be taken into account.

Michael Buntfusz, Head of the Environment Department of the City of Salzgitter, explained that the planned renaturation project is part of the action plan for the protection of watercourses adopted by the Salzgitter City Council.

The city of Salzgitter has had good experiences with renaturation projects in Barum and Gebhardshagen/Salder because renaturation projects give nature more opportunities to develop and thus promote the diversity of species.

What is planned for this section?

In this section, the Fuhse is to be given a new curved course with a low/medium water profile (see site plan). This should prevent the Fuhse from drying out in hot summers and also give the Fuhse more volume for the water during floods.
In addition, the new course of the Fuhse is to have a flatter slope; at two points, opportunities are to be created to gain an insight into the future floodplain landscape.
Gravel and deadwood are to be incorporated to improve the structure.
Planting of site-appropriate trees and shrubs (for floodplain development).
The footpath and cycle path, including the wastewater pipe, must be relocated. The quality of the path should correspond to the current path.
Important: The new watercourse profile has no impact on the Fuhse in Salder.

Costs: Construction costs: approx. 1.2 million euros

To date, 90 percent of the project has been supported by state funds from the program of measures for watercourse development.

The remainder is being financed from replacement funds. (Compensation money: Compensation money must be paid if the impairment of nature and landscape cannot be avoided or the intervention cannot be compensated or replaced within a reasonable period of time. The compensation money is to be earmarked for nature conservation and landscape management measures).

= No costs for the city of Salzgitter

Timetable: the planning approval procedure (procedure for approving the project) is expected to begin at the end of April/beginning of May 2024. The plans with all the details will be on public display in the town hall. Citizens, associations and institutions will have the opportunity to inspect the plans, gain an overview and, if necessary, express any concerns and/or requests for changes that need to be examined.

If the planning approval procedure is completed by the end of 2024, the project could begin in 2025. It is necessary to coordinate this with the start of construction of the central wastewater collector, as the new cycle and footpath is to run along this route.