PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The geomorphological diverse Bosbeek and Itterbeek lowland brook systems in the Flemish Campine region are home to a range of habitats, including those listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, as well as several rare and threatened species, including the great-crested newt (Triturus cristatus), European tree frog (Hyla arborea) and moor frog (Rana arvalis). More than 40 species of dragonflies have also been recorded in the project areas. The Itterbeek valley is moreover home to one of the last breeding populations in Flanders of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). Historically, the area also held populations of natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Unfortunately, several habitats are under severe pressure from changes in land use including afforestation and intensive farming and recreation, which have led to habitat fragmentation and the consequent isolation of target populations and pressure from invasive alien species.
OBJECTIVES
The Life Itter en Oeter project aimed to combat threats to priority habitats and species, while promoting nature-oriented recreation in the project areas. Specifically, the project aimed to:
Develop and carry out a wide range of measures to promote the tourist and socio-economic potential of the area, including the creation of a film, leaflets, articles in the press, tourist trails and signs along with the holding of annual public events; Organise several activities (such as workshops) to exchange knowledge and experience with local people, other LIFE projects and relevant authorities, while informing local people of the threat of alien species invading the Natura 2000 site via garden litter; Acquire 42 ha of land in the project area for large-scale habitat restoration of a complex of ground- and seepage-water dependent Annex I habitats: especially 7 ha of quacking bogs and transition mires (7140), 18 ha of alluvial forests - Saliceto-Franguletum and Carici elongatae-Alnetum (91E0) - and hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities (6430); Develop wet types of Nardetalia (6230), wet heathland vegetations (4010) and lowland hay meadows (6510), as well as improve quacking bogs and transition mires (7140) significantly increase their cover from 2 ha to at least 9 ha; Restore 7 ha Annex I habitats typical for a semi-dry, poor sandy soil typical for the region and as stepping stone between the Hoge Kempen (Flanders) and the Peel area (Netherlands): Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands (2330), old oak forests (9190) and dry heathlands (4030); Restore 3 ha of the valuable Annex I habitat Nanocypertalia pond vegetations (3130); Restore and increase the population of bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) and common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) as well as encourage the possible return of red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) and woodlark (Lullula arborea); Develop two integrated management plans based on a detailed vegetation map and field research; Carry out an eco-hydrological study and nutrient analysis of removed soil; Monitor the first results of the restoration activities; and Improve facilities to attract more visitors, improve information about the area and increase socio-economic support for Natura 2000 and the LIFE project.
RESULTS
The Life Itter en Oeter project has contributed significantly to improve the conservation status of several habitats. The projects restoration measures were successfully carried out:
50 ha invasive species were removed; 3 170 m ditches were filled in, 2.3 ha rabattes were removed, a large draining pond was closed and two weirs were added to restore the hydrology of the area; The brook morphology was restored, with one meander installed; More than 10 ha wet heath and peat bog were restored; 3 ha wet habitats were reconstructed; 7 ha heath and land dune mosaic were restored, in combination with old oak and birch trees; 11 ha Nardus grassland along with lowland meadows were restored; 11 ha lowland hay meadows and wet shrubs were created in areas with plantations and succession to forest; 10 ha alluvial forests were restored; Weekend cottages were either removed or integrated into the landscape to restore natural values; An additional 10.3 ha alluvial forest were restored spontaneously; Grazing was introduced for the recurrent management of the area; and Two new, popular walking paths were created. The projects approach enabled additional water storage to develop in line with the European Climate Change Adaptation strategy. The project team networked continuously with other initiatives and experts to stay informed of the latest insights in restoration techniques. The project thus serves as a great example of nature restoration. The problem of invasive alien species, however, was generally underestimated, and a systematic approach to removal of IAS will be required to continue for several years after the project. The beneficiary also foresees several structural improvements to the Bosbeek area and will continue its efforts to restore the waterway course and fish migration paths. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
