Neckar renaturation in Stuttgart-Hofen Suction ditch area - creation of a side watercourse

The main objective of the project from an ecological point of view was the creation of amphibian habitats and spawning habitats for typical riparian species and the development of near-natural riparian zones on the canalised federal waterway Neckar, which is built up with hard bank reinforcements. The location on the Neckar valley cycle path also makes the side water a popular stop for those seeking recreation on the Neckar. To get a better view of the body of water with island, a small viewing hill was created.
Originally, only partial demolition of the bank reinforcement on the Neckar and excavation of an approx. 3,500 m² side water with low zones and shallow banks was planned. The cooperation with the Water and Shipping Authority and the connection of the measure with the necessary bank repair of the revetments on the waterway opened up the possibility of also designing the banks of the Neckar itself in a near-natural way.
The project was implemented as a compensatory measure for interventions in the natural balance by the new construction of the rake, sand and grease trap plant Stuttgart - Hofen (part of the sewage treatment plant Mühlhausen).