Senden, North Rhine-Westphalia

Senden is a municipality in the district of Coesfeld, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Geographic location
The municipality of Senden is situated in the east of the district of Coesfeld, approx. 15 km south-west of the city of Münster.

The river Stever and the Dortmund-Ems Canal are partially situated in the municipality of Senden.

Neighbouring municipalities

 * City:
 * Münster
 * Towns:
 * Dülmen
 * Lüdinghausen
 * Municipalities (villages):
 * Ascheberg
 * Havixbeck
 * Nordkirchen
 * Nottuln

Division of the municipality
The municipality of Senden consists of 4 villages:
 * Bösensell
 * Ottmarsbocholt
 * Senden
 * Venne

Special natural site
Near the village of Venne there is a famous marshland called Venner Moor. This nature reserve is situated near the Dortmund-Ems Canal and consists of some large swamps. Especially in spring and in fall the area shows its beautiful nature.

History
The first historical mentions of the villages of the municipality were as follows:
 * Senden in 890
 * Ottmarsbocholt in 980
 * Bösensell in 1148
 * Venne's in 1230

On January 1, 1975 these four formally autonomous municipalities became parts of the present municipality of Senden.

Politics
The major political party is the CDU (19 seats in the municipality council). Other parties in the council are the SPD (8 seats), Green Party (4 seats) and the FDP (3 seats). The mayor is Alfred Holz, who does not belong to a party but who is supported by the CDU and the SPD.

Transport
Near Bösensell there is an exit to the Autobahn A 43.

Two important bus lines serve the municipality. A local bus line connects the villages of Bösensell, Senden and Ottmarsbocholt. A high speed bus line, which connects Münster and Lüdinghausen via the A43 runs through Senden.

There is a small harbour at the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

The village of Bösensell has a railway station at the line between Münster and Essen.

Education
The municipality of Senden has seven schools:
 * Bösensell:
 * 1 primary school
 * Ottmarsbocholt:
 * 1 primary School
 * Senden:
 * 2 primary schools
 * 1 Hauptschule
 * 1 Realschule
 * 1 Gymnasium