PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Sonian Forest (Forêt des Soignes/Zoniënwoud) is a 4 421-ha forest in Belgium that is primarily within the administrative region of Vlaams Brabant (Flanders), as well as covering parts of south-east Brussels and Brabant Wallon (Wallonia). Roads and railways, however, run through the forest dividing wildlife populations. Monitoring of road kill of the most common species (e.g. roe deer and red foxes) shows that more 50 individuals die every year. Several protected species are found in the area: Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri), the European pine marten (Martes martes), ground beetle (Carabus coriaceus), palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) and Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). Populations of critically-endangered species can be maintained or improved by using defragmentation techniques to restore their habitats.
OBJECTIVES
The project aimed to connect areas of the Sonian Forest with high ecological value by constructing wildlife crossings (such as underpasses, viaducts and culverts) and erecting fences to impede the access of wild animals to roads and rail lines. It also aimed to protect forest biodiversity through nature-friendly and adapted forest management (e.g. the restoration of forest edges along the Brussels ring and the creation of open areas) and by redirecting recreation activities to less sensitive areas.
The project site covered 2 761 ha. The necessary measures have been or would be included in a new forest management plan. To achieve this objective, a partnership between the agency for nature and forests, the agency for roads and traffic, the Brussels Institute for Environmental Management, the department of environment and energy and the local government of Overijse and Hoeilaart has been formed.
RESULTS
The LIFE-OZON project facilitated the movement of small mammals, amphibians, invertebrates and other fauna through actions in the Sonian Forest (Belgium) that defragmented their habitats. These actions included the construction of a main eco-duct and several other structures (e.g. tunnels, pipes) under the roads crossing the forest.
Monitoring confirmed the intended small fauna, particularly amphibians and invertebrates, were using the eco-duct (Groenendael), and many of the new and restored existing pipes, so improving their mobility. Monitoring by the project team also showed increased mobility of bats due to the new eco-duct, facilitating exchanges between populations.
Project communication and dissemination activities led to a good acceptance of the project’s work by local communities and stakeholders.
The project team’s study of the impact of defragmentation measures on the populations of target species was probably the first of its kind in Europe. It will provide important data to inform future habitat defragmentation projects for given species. The approach for the construction of the eco-duct for example, is already being replicated (by the same team of civil servants) in the Oud Heverlee Bos in Flanders. The project therefore has a high demonstration value, given it built an innovative eco-duct and other defragmentation structures of various types, and restored existing structures, to enhance species’ mobility.
Infrastructure was also improved in the forest, both for extensive grazing with highland cattle and for visitors with the construction of an observation tower. This can potentially lead to socio-economic benefits in the area. The project actions are financially sustainable, and will be ongoing, because all the structures installed/refurbished are managed by the official administration.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
