ᐅ Plot of land that used to be a marsh. To buy or not to buy?

Hello Hinnerk, I’ve been researching this topic because we are possibly planning to build in Friedrichsfehn... However, the soil concerns us a bit. According to the soil report, the peat layer there (Fuhrkenscher Grenzweg) is only 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep, which, based on your explanations, should not be problematic. Thank you very much for the detailed information! I would now like to know more about the costs for soil replacement. Can you say anything about that?

Hello sylla,
"only" 1.5 meters (5 feet) of peat? You are lucky! We built in 1999/2000 in Friedrichsfehn (Karl-Bunje-Str.). We had to remove 3 meters (10 feet) of peat and brought in 3.30 meters (11 feet) of fill sand. I know the new residential area at Fuhrkenscher Grenzweg. It is currently being developed. Yes, there is less peat there. This is partly because the area was already drained of peat. Depending on how much the new side street will be leveled to the height of Fuhrkenscher Grenzweg, more fill sand and topsoil will have to be added. Do yourselves a favor and don’t make the mistake we did: Carry out a soil replacement for the entire plot. Otherwise, you will have to redo your garden completely in 10 years and again 10 years later. Because of surface drainage, the peat dries out and settles. For us, that was 50-60 cm (20-24 inches), with 1.5 meters (5 feet) of peat you can still expect at least 30 cm (12 inches) of settlement.
Regarding costs: In 1999, we paid just under 17 DM per cubic meter for soil replacement (removing peat, adding fill sand), including compaction. Of course, it’s more expensive today. However, you can negotiate with some contractors—for example, paying half with an invoice and the other half off the books. It’s not just my observation: Although the distance to the sand pit is much greater, contractors from the South Oldenburg area (Friesoythe, Cloppenburg, Bösel) are cheaper than local companies.
One more tip: Your street is currently being excavated and backfilled with fill sand. Contact the contractor about soil replacement for your plot. Usually, they offer a good price since they already have the excavator on site and are constantly transporting soil and sand.

Hauling companies that come to mind:
Henken, Friesoythe-Altenoythe
Becken, Bösel
Emil Hilgen, Friedrichsfehn

So, I’d like to welcome you in advance to Friedrichsfehn (see you at Aldi):

Hello Hinnerk, thank you very much for the many helpful tips! We will make the best of it. Otherwise, we are already looking forward to Friedrichsfehn and the beautiful Ammerland.