8. Spring Week 2015: Short documentation Interstitial

The interstitial represents its own, largely unknown and little researched habitat. Interstitial is the cavity system of the loose rock and sediment close to or under the surface water of a flowing water. It thus represents an ecological transition and exchange zone between surface water and its groundwater, with specific environmental conditions for the organisms. Initial investigations showed some of the own fauna of specialists. For spring and stream dwellers, it is a retreat in uncertain times. Excavations in the interstitial of streams are difficult to accomplish due to the coarse stones in the brooks of the gutter by means of spades, which is why for a large part of the test sites there was a need for mechanical use. Using JCB, a slot trench was excavated either directly in the creek bed or just next to it with a small excavator bucket. There, sediment was extracted and sifted or water was exhausted and also sifted. The resulting hole was refilled after the end of the investigations. The journey was as gentle as possible and only where a short driveway was given. Possible test sites have been visited and selected beforehand.