Smallish Nature Reserve

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I discovered a small nature reserve near the next town, idyllically wedged between an autobahn intersection and a recycling yard. Only declared as a nature reserve in 1980 it was orginally a lake excavated for gravel. Apparently, it’s a sanctuary for a variety of local birds, even a few not so common ones.

I say apparently because I couldn’t judge for by myself. There is one place from which it can be glimpsed, through an overgrown fence. The local allotments, fenced and only accessible for plot holders, offer an unobstructed view – or so the town’s PR site tells me. Hrmphf.

Water, Water Everywhere

Aren’t You Glad You Have a Machine?

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This sculpture has been erected in honour of Karin I, the Fountain Queen of 1981, in Oberursel (and don’t ask me anything else about the privileges and duties of a fountain queen). It is called the Wäschfraa-Brunnen or washerwoman fountain.

The square is called “An der Bleiche” and there are many squares and streets named in the area or even in Germany with this or a similar name. It translates as bleach and it was the place where clothes could be dried and bleached in the sun. It was located near running water where the women did their washing.

One Word Sunday: Wash, Washed or Washing