The moors are also an important part of the culture landscape Lüneburger Heide. We're dealing here primarily with raised bog peats which began to develop in the post ice age around 4000 B. C. Moors develop in areas where there is a surplus of water. Because of the moisture the dead plants don't decay completely, resulting in the development of turf. Raised bog peat developes mainly through the growth of turf moss. On average the raised bogs grew 1mm per year, that's one meter in a thousand years. The raised bog peats offer many rare plants and animals a habitat.

The raised bog peats are endangered by human interference. Mankind has been trying to attain verdure and farmland for hundreds of years by drainage. The turf itself is used for heating. Without the water the plants responsible for the development of the turf die, and the moor vanishes from the scene.

In the 1970s, in the Lüneburger Heide, in Pietzmoor near Schneverdingen, they strived to restore the natural conditions by re-watering and re-naturalisation. Now it offers a unique natural experience once again.

The heath is apparently dry and waterless, on first appearances. Lakes are a rarity. However on closer scrutiny one sees that water is a decisive element in this landscape. Heath brooks and rivers as well as springs are characteristic elements. The rivers Luhe, Seeve, Este, Wümme, Lopau, Brunau, Radenbach, Schwarze Aue and the Schwindequelle are examples of the influencing water sources.

And the Lüneburger Heide has lots of water that can not be seen: underground water. The heather is an excellent water cleanser and filter. The minimal evaporation on the surface leads to a significant rise in the groundwater reserves. The Lüneburger Heide supplies the city of Hamburg with its drinking water.