the designated airfield measured roughly 250 hectares. farmers were expropriated without compensation, but those who owned herds of "heidschnucken" were allowed to leave them to graze on the grasslands of the airfield. the area originally was slightly hilly and sandy, partially covered by heath as well as oak and birch trees. there was a basin containing the source of the fintau stream in the middle of the area. construction started by leveling and deep ploughing the land. as the sandy soil with a layer of hardpan was too infertile for the desired grass-covered airfield, plenty of peat and dung was used as fertilizer.