Biological Station District Recklinghausen e.V.

The office of the Biological Station Kreis Recklinghausen is located on the former farm "Hof Punsmann", which is situated in the middle of the Hohe Mark Westmünsterland Nature Park. The station has set itself the task of permanently preserving nature, native animals and plants, the natural and cultural landscape. New ponds and a learning/teaching garden have been created on the grounds. Stone and dry stone walls, cold frames, clay houses and farm wells have been restored. Two orchards complete the picture.

The nature park house originated from the original farm "Hof Punsmann".

The main building dates back to 1848. Until 1924, the farm was managed by various tenants. In 1925 and 1926, the farm was converted into a forestry farm, with farming continuing as a sideline. In the following years, an orchard with about 180 fruit trees and beehives was established.

In the middle of the 20th century, the farm was again extensively rebuilt and extended. Hof Punsmann had now regained its function as a pure agricultural enterprise. Two tenants managed the farm until 1988 and expanded the farm by leasing additional agricultural land.

In 1990, the Biological Station Kreis Recklinghausen e.V. was founded. The current owner, the Regionalverband Ruhrgebiet, made the land available to the association. Further conversion measures followed to enable the use of today's Nature Park House.

The Hohe Mark Nature Park is a glacial sandstone hill country. It is also one of the largest forest areas north of the Ruhr. Surprisingly close to the conurbations of North Rhine-Westphalia, it offers a variety of nature experiences on 1977.81 km². Here you can discover green nature and experience the diversity of the Hohe Mark Nature Park.