In order to prevent its semi-open heathland from being repopulated by trees, especially pines and, to a lesser extent, silver birches, which would cause the loss of this millennia-old environment and its many inhabitants, including often very rare animal and plant species, sheep are allowed to graze it regularly; these are almost exclusively the local German moorland sheep, the Heidschnucke.
Selleks, et vältida poolavatud nõmmemaa taasasustamist puudega, eriti mändide ja vähemalmääral arukaskedega, mis võiksid põhjustada selle aastatuhandeid vana keskkonna ja selle paljude asukate kadumise, sealhulgas väga haruldased looma- ja taimeliigid, lubatakse regulaarselt lambaid karjatada; need on peaaegu eranditult kohalikud saksa nõmmelambad, Heidschnucke.