There are 764 nature reserves in the state of Lower Saxony in north Germany covering a total area of 250,578 hectares (619,190 acres) (as at 31 December 2008).
These reserves currently form about 4.72% of the land area in the state, including the coastal waters out to 12 nautical miles (22 km). In addition, there are 2 national parks and 1 biosphere reserve which are also under strict protection and which raise the area coverage to 11.32%.[1]
The table below shows a selection of these reserves. Where a nature reserve extends over several rural (Landkreise) or urban districts (Kreisfreie Städte) these are given in order of the size area covered. By sorting on the column "Rural/Urban District" the reserves that are found wholly or partially within a district can be seen at a glance. In order to locate the other areas, use the search function of your computer keyboard (CTRL / Ctrl + F).
The NSG Nos. (i.e. nature reserve numbers) are based on the former provinces (Regierungsbezirken) (BR = Brunswick, HA = Hanover, LÜ = Lüneburg, WE = Weser-Ems).