This 12.25 ha large Nature Protection und European Conservation Area north-west of Nickelsdorf is situated at a terrace edge of the Parndorfer Platte tableland forming a steep slope towards the Leitha Basin. Pannonian sands and acidic Danube gravel form the geological basic substrate for dry soils that only bear sparse vegetation on hill tops. Water-pervious gravel and the desiccating effects of winds on the round hill tops of the steep slopes provide the basis for a survival of a former xerophytic vegetation that is rich in species and influenced by the dry site conditions and strong irradiation by the sun.

Situated in the community area of Leithaprodersdorf, the “European Conservation Area Frauenwiesen and Johannesbach“ covers approximately 49 ha and comprises 5 parts:

The “European Conservation Area Riverside Meadows Zickenbachtal“ is situated about 5 km south of Stegersbach and 12 km north-west of Güssing. The brook Zickenbach flows from north-west to south-east through that area and runs into the brook Strem at Güssing. This area of approximately 40 ha is one of the most beautiful wetland landscapes of the Southern Burgenland. Seen as a whole, it can be regarded as a riverside inundation fen. Spring moors, however, have developed at water outlets on a small scale. Peat formation is caused by a constantly high groundwater level with low range of variation and inundations with impurity water.