Camp-nature and sustainablity
Discover the unique and diverse natural landscape of the camp. And see for yourself the sustainablity measures we implement in our hotel operations to preserve and protect this precious environment.
Content Blocks
What may seem unremarkable at first glance reveals itself on closer inspection as a truly unique habitat—home to rare plant and animal species. This legally protected biotope, with its low-nutrient soil, bursts with life from spring through autumn: fragrant wild herbs, a wide variety of plants in all shapes and colors, and countless species of grasses await discovery.
In summer, the small pink blooms of heath pinks and sand bellflowers light up the landscape.
The tall mulleins can be spotted from afar. By late summer, when the heather is in full bloom, large patches of wild thyme also begin to spread. Countless grasses blossom and sway gently in the wind. But it’s not only plants that thrive here. Especially during the blooming season, the area becomes a haven for a wide variety of insects—perfect for nature observation and quiet discovery.
(photos: Bettina and Jan Brockmann , heide-ranger.de)
A protected habitat for ground-nesting birds
The sparse sandy grassland provides ideal breeding conditions for ground-nesting birds. The skylark (Alauda arvensis) in particular thrives here. Wide open spaces with low-growing vegetation offer perfect nesting grounds for this protected species. Its acrobatic flight displays are truly remarkable and a joy to watch. From April through the end of June is breeding and fawning season—during this time, visitors must stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Heidschnucken - iconic grazers of the heath
These hardy moorland sheep are a familiar sight throughout the nature reserve.By constantly grazing, they help keep the heath and nutrient-poor grasslands short, naturally controlling the spread of shrubs and trees.These days, goats often lend a helping hoof as well. Incidentally, the nameSchnucke comes from the old German wordschnökern, which means to nibble curiously and with variety—a perfect description of their foraging habits. Our neighbors, the Schäfer (shepherd) Schmidt family, regularly pass through the camp with their flock. The animals are quite tame and, always on the lookout for a snack, they occasionally wander right up onto the room terraces.
Unique heathland
It gives this region its name and can also be found at the camp. Calluna vulgaris, the most widespread heather species here, typically blooms from early August through September, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple blossoms. During this time, it offers a rich source of food for many insects, especially bees. The heather bloom is an impressive natural spectacle that can be experienced on numerous marked trails, either on foot or by bicycle.
sustainability in the Camp Reinsehlen
Das sustainablity has been a core value of the Camp since its founding 25 years ago
The 25-hectare Camp Reinsehlen is a protected habitat for rare plant and animal species. From the very beginning, the idea of running the hotel sustainably has been central to the camp's philosophy. Sustainability is essential—not only from an ecological standpoint, but also from economic and social perspectives—and by now, it should go without saying. Experiencing this unique natural landscape on a daily basis deepens our awareness of the importance of conserving resources and respecting the local flora and fauna.
We consciously avoid the use of air conditioning. Instead of energy-intensive minibars, we provide cooler boxes upon request. The MehrBlick buildings are equipped with green roofs.
Grass is mowed in front of the guest buildings, but molehills are left undisturbed. We use no fertilizers or pesticides.
Dead birch trees are repurposed as firewood for fireplaces or campfires. Only native trees are replanted.
In front of our GASTHAUS, an insect hotel provides a habitat for a variety of insect species.
- gas heat pumps are used in the event halls, administrative areas and MehrBlick-rooms.
- a gas-powered combined heat and power plant supplies electricity and heat to the GASTHAUS and lobby.
- heat recovery systems in place in the kitchen area.
- all rooms are equipped with heating thermostats that include door contact switches for open windows.
- water-saving shower heads and aerators are installed in all rooms.
- LED-lighting and motion sensors are used throughout the camp.
- potatoes and asparagus from our neughbour, Bauer Heins.
- meat, fish and eggs from the local Heath region.
- Heidschnucke meat from our neughboring shepard, Schmidt.
- fair trade, organically grown coffee from Peru.
- we avoid overfished and overbred fish species.
- fruit spreads are homemade in our kitchen.
- our camp offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- We do not offer intermediate room cleaning ("green choice") to reduce resource use.
- Micro steam cleaners, which require no chemical cleaning agents, are used in public areas.
- Soaps and shampoos are sourced from certified organic production.
- We use recycled paper products wherever possible.
- Waste separation is practiced throughout the entire camp. Our sustainability team regularly trains apprentices on proper sorting. Guests are also encouraged to separate waste, with sorting stations available near the room complexes and in conference areas.
- Our pens are deliberately made from paper, and we strive to maintain a paperless office.
- Two electric vehicle charging stations are available on-site.
- Camp-owned bicycles and e-bikes are available for rent directly from us.
Rooted in the region
- We work closely with regional craftsmen, suppliers, and service providers. For example, all of our hotel linens are maintained by Rotenburger Werke, an organization that supports people with disabilities.
- We host the Winterspektakel, a popular market featuring local vendors. The proceeds from the raffle regularly support clubs and social initiatives in and around Schneverdingen.
- We have long been sponsors of the annual Handball Heide Cup in Schneverdingen.
- Together with the Schneverdingen Cultural Association (Kulturverein e.V.), we organize literary readings at the camp.
- Many of our team-building activities are rooted in the local environment and offer a unique nature experience—such as sheep herding, the HöhenwegArena, or guided hikes with the Heideranger. Our spacious outdoor setting enables all kinds of activities in nature and fresh air.
- Our camp kitchen also regularly prepares meals for the Schneverdinger Soup Kitchen.
Sustainability at the camp is an ongoing process—constantly evolving in both big and small ways. Looking to the future, we are planning to install additional electric vehicle charging stations at the main parking area. We are also developing plans for a new heating system powered by renewable energy for the lobby and Lodge-rooms.
