The Schliffkopf Nature Reserve
The Schliffkopf Nature Reserve covers some 1,380 hectares and is not only the oldest and largest nature reserve in the State of Baden-Württemberg but the best known in the northern Black Forest Region.
There are numerous springs because of the particularly heavy precipitation this region receives. These many rivulets feed into the Rotmurg, Schönmünz and Langenbach streams, which over time have carved out small picturesque valleys whose mountain peaks cut the area off from its surroundings. One of the few protected forests in Baden-Württemberg is to be found at the centre of this area and this is of particular importance.
At 1,055 m above sea level, the Schliffkopf is the highest point in a coloured sandstone range rising some 450 m above the valley floor between Hornisgrinde (approx. 1,163 m above sea level) and Kniebis (approx 900 m above sea level). From the crest-line on a clear day, a mass of forests can be seen stretching as far as the Rhine plateau. The Vosges mountain range, the Swabian Jura, the central and southern Black Forest Region and the Alps can also be seen. The area to the east and west is a watershed. The rich water sources of the Murg, Rench, Acher und Lierbach streams filter deep down into the relatively soft coloured sandstone causing erosion to take place and resulting in not only the Schliffkopf but the Roter Schliff and Lierbacher Schliff as well.
Despite the hostile climate, many threatened plants and animals have made this area home, including purple moor-grass, deergrass, bloodroot and the rare yellow gentian. The capercaillie, as well as the black woodpecker, the three-toed woodpecker and the garden dormouse, also finds an ideal habitat in the non-woodland area called the Grinden and in places with old or dead wood.
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