Dune heathland

The characteristic broom heath and the crowberry form a natural "final stage" of dune development. From the end of August, the landscape turns into a purple sea of flowers that attracts many insects. From July onwards, seagulls and migrating curlews feed on the ripe crowberries, which is evidenced by purple-coloured bird spots along the paths. Toads and lizards find plenty of food and good hiding places. It is very important for the biodiversity here that the ground water is high enough and that the humid dune valleys do not dry out.

In addition to dune heaths, there is another type of heathland on Sylt, the "Geestheide". Together they now make up half of the heath in Schleswig-Holstein and are protected as nature reserves.

The Geestheide in the centre of the island can be explored at Morsumkliff and Braderuper Heide, for example.