Holemans Niederrhein GmbH

The water body in the eastern part of the project area originated in the excavation of gravel and sand by the Holemanns Niederrhein GmbH.

The excavation, named Ravenpollswelle, started in April 1967. In an area of 21.5 hectares 4 mio. tons of gravel and sand were extracted. At the end of the 70s the extraction was halted and the first groin fields were filled. 

Ravenpollswelle May 1967	Ravenpollswelle October 1983

In 1986 the extraction was started again and in 1987 extraction and recultivation were finished. In the following years a near-natural alluvial forest established itself. In 1985 the Emmericher Ward became a nature reserve.

The Holemanns Niederrhein GmbH provided its property for the construction of the secondary channel.

Ravenpollswelle September 1986	Ravenpollswelle July 1994