The Alperstedter Ried bog landscape is the largest calcareous fen in the Thuringian Basin. With the aim of restoring the natural water level to Thuringia's largest flow-through bog and creating new habitats for amphibians and water breeders, 115 hectares of the western part of the nature reserve and the adjacent wet meadows have been fenced off.

Numerous animal and plant species find an almost undisturbed habitat there. Since October 2015, four-legged landscape conservationists can also be found there. These include Exmoor ponies, which are adapted to year-round grazing on the moorland, as well as buffalo and cattle. New residents since September 2017 are the "Rote Höhenvieh", an old, robust breed of cattle.

In the coming years, the number of animals is expected to grow to up to 50 by breeding their own offspring, which will ensure that the protected habitats are preserved even at higher water levels.

Employees of the Thuringia Nature Conservation Foundation offer occasional guided tours of the nature reserve, providing insights into the unusual moorland landscape, botanical treasures and, of course, the four-legged landscape conservationists.