Large-scale Habitat Restoration in "Turnhouts Vennengebied"

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Turnhouts Vennengebied is situated in the northern part of the Campine region, a few kilometres north of Turnhout, between the communities of Merksplas and Ravels. The project area was once renowned for its vast complex of species-rich ponds and heaths. The clay surface produces oligo-mesotrophic pond complexes, in which well-developed Annex I-listed habitats ‘ponds with vegetation of the Littorelletalia uniflorae and Nanocyperetalia’ are found. The ponds are surrounded by Atlantic wet heathlands, alternating with large peat depressions with vegetation of the Rhynchosporion, making the site of European importance. Though species-rich Nardus grasslands remain, they have severely declined in recent years.

Extensive inland sand dunes with Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands and dry sand heathlands are unique in Europe. Dry heathlands are found throughout the project area. Several rare bird species are also found, including the bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius).The presence of these habitats and species, however, has decreased severely in the pSCI. The most significant threats are the fragmentation of habitats and populations, intensive farming and large-scale afforestation.

This LIFE project was the result of the cooperation between the NGO, Natuurpunt Beheer, and two public bodies, Agentschap natuur en bos and Vlaamse Landmaatschappij.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this project was the restoration of a key Flemish Natura 2000 site, ‘Turnhouts Vennengebied’. Foreseen measures included:

Large-scale redevelopment of the species rich Nardus grasslands.

Optimal restoration of internationally important pond habitats.

Restoration of a large heath and land dunes complex, existing of special Annex I-listed habitats, such as wet heathlands, peat depressions, dry inland dune grasslands and dry heathlands.

Improvement and enlargement of the habitats for diverse species especially water plantain (Luronium natans), yellow-spotted whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis), black tern (Chlidonias niger), ruff (Philomachus pugnax), woodlark (Lullula arborea) and nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).

In addition to these conservation objectives, the project organisers wanted to increase the socio-economic potential of this Natura 2000 area, through recreation, a volunteer workforce and informing local people and visitors about the project.

RESULTS

During the LIFE project, the beneficiary acquired a further 64 ha to add its nature reserve while another 26 ha were freed of any rights. This land acquisition has had a positive effect on biodiversity by arresting the fragmentation of the heathland ecosystem.

The project carried out a range of restoration measures:

Around 97 000 m3 of soil was excavated and removed to farmland outside the Natura 2000 site.

Around 8 400 m3 of sludge from four large ponds was removed and processed according to Flemish and European environmental standards.

Around 23 000 m3 sods were removed and re-used in agriculture land to restore heathland habitat to ameliorate soil structure and soil carbon content.

A total of 50 000 poles were situated to create a 16 km fence for grazing management.

Finally, around 30 km of hiking trails were marked to allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turnhouts vennengebied. A hiking folder, brochures, information panels and the project’s website provide useful and up-to-date information.

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).

During the LIFE project, the beneficiary acquired a further 64 ha to add its nature reserve while another 26 ha were freed of any rights. This land acquisition has had a positive effect on biodiversity by arresting the fragmentation of the heathland ecosystem.

The project carried out a range of restoration measures:

Around 97 000 m3 of soil was excavated and removed to farmland outside the Natura 2000 site.

Around 8 400 m3 of sludge from four large ponds was removed and processed according to Flemish and European environmental standards.

Around 23 000 m3 sods were removed and re-used in agriculture land to restore heathland habitat to ameliorate soil structure and soil carbon content.

A total of 50 000 poles were situated to create a 16 km fence for grazing management.

Finally, around 30 km of hiking trails were marked to allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turnhouts vennengebied. A hiking folder, brochures, information panels and the project’s website provide useful and up-to-date information.

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).