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Habitat restoration in the Valleys of the eastern region of Limburg: Bosbeek and Itterbeek

Description of the project area

The lowland brook systems ‘Bosbeek’ and ‘Itterbeek’ in the Flemish Campine region, are a unique natural area for Western Europe. This area and the brooks itself are characterised by a high geomorphological and natural diversity. At some places in the valleys, the seepage pressure is spectacular for the region and the whole of Western-Europe.

The exceptional abiotic conditions in the two valleys have led to several types of endangered Annex I habitats. Among them, the most important are inland sand dune grassland vegetations (2330), oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters (3130), moist and dry heathland vegetation (4010 and 4030), species rich Nardus-grasslands (6230+), hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities (6430), lowland hay meadows (6510), transition mires and quacking bogs (7140), old oak forests on sandy soils (9190) and last – but not least – forests on extremely wet soils and a high epiphyte flora (91E0+).

Especially for transition mires and quacking bogs (7140), Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands (2330), species rich Nardus-graslands (6230+), dry and moist Atlantic heath (4030 and 4010), several subtypes of alluvial forests (91E0+), hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities (6430) and oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters (3130), the area of the valleys of the Bosbeek and the Itterbeek are of Flemish and European importance! All these habitats are rare and threatened in the whole of the European Union.

The wide variety of Annex I habitats is also reflected in the presence of several rare and threatened bird species from Annex I of the Bird Directive. Among them, species of wet meadows with sparsely spread willow bushes in valleys and extensively managed agricultural landscape with lots of hedges and small parcels are the most important: Luscinia svecica and Alcedo atthis. They are breeding bird species in the area. The project area used to be one of the last breeding populations in Flanders (and Western-Europe) of Lanius collurio. Other breeding species in the project area are Pernis apivorus and Dryocopus martius. Caprimulgus europaeus is a former breeding species but it can return soon after habitat restoration is carried out.

Logically, several species of the Annex II and Annex IV of the Habitat Directive are present in the valley of the Bosbeek and Itterbeek. Historically, the area held populations of Bufo calamita and Coronella austriaca. Both species are present in the surrounding area. The creation of good stepping stones in the strategically located valley of the Bosbeek and valley of the Itterbeek will be of great importance to maintain a favourable conservation status for the populations for both species in this part of the EU. The Itterbeek is known for one of the largest populations of Triturus cristatus and Hyla arborea in Flanders and can hereby be considered of European importance. This part of the project area is still one of the few population sites for Rana arvalis in the Euregio.

The area of the two valleys is one of the ‘hot spots’ for dragonflies in Flanders. At least 40 species were recorded. The most special species with permanent populations are Brachytron pratense, Libellula fulva, Coenagrion pulchellum, Gomphus vulgatissimus, Calopteryx virgo, Somatochlora metallica, Cordulegaster boltonii, Aeshna grandis and Cordulia aenea.
The Itterbeek holds a healthy population of Lampetra planeri. This brook is considered as an important habitat for the species. As for butterflies, the area is most known for some rare species including Limenitis camilla, Satyrium ilicis and Carterocephalus palaemon.

Unfortunately, the presence of the extremely diverse and unique habitats and species is decreasing in the area. Several habitats are under severe pressure, species are decreasing or even extinct. The biggest threats for this project area are the fragmentation of the Annex I habitats and the consequent isolation of target species populations, the disappearance of valuable habitats by the lack of adequate management, afforestation, intensive farming, an unnatural hydrology, intensive recreation zones, eutrophication of the Annex I habitats, invasion by alien and invasive (plant) species and the lack of socio-economical support for this unique Natura 2000 area.

Objectives

With this proposal of Life+ Nature project, Natuurpunt Beheer vzw wishes to tackle the threats influencing in a negative way the unique habitats and species of both Habitat and Bird Directive who are characteristic for the valley of the Bosbeek and the valley of the Itterbeek. We wish to realise this objective in a way that it can act as best practice and demonstration for other valley ecosystems with similar habitats and threats within the EU. Moreover, after finishing the Life+-project, the area will be one of the key areas in lowland Europe for the target habitats and target species.

The concrete objectives of this Life+-proposal are as follows:

• Large-scale restoration of a complex of ground- and seepage dependent Annex I habitats for which the Bosbeek and Itterbeek valley are of national and international importance: especially 7 ha of quacking bogs and transition mires (7140), 18 ha alluvial forests (Saliceto-Franguletum and Caricielongatae-Alnetum (91E0+)) and hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities (6430). Locally also wet types of Nardetalia (6230+), wet heathland vegetations (4010) and lowland hay meadows (6510) will develop. The Life+-proposal is in particular extremely important for the quacking bogs and transition mires (7140). This habitats will significantly increase from a mere 2 ha to at least 9 ha!
• Large-scale restoration of 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). The surface of the last habitat will double in surface, locally with elements of the drier types of species rich Nardus-graslands (6230+).
• Restoration (3 ha) of the valuable Annex I habitats Nanocypertalia fen vegetations (3130). As a result of our efforts, the Itterbeek valley will become internationally known for its Nanocypertalia fen vegetations (3130), and their occurring habitat species like Triturus cristatus, Rana arvalis, Hyla arborea and Bufo calamita.
• To increase the (breeding) population of Luscinia svecica and Alcedo atthis, two species of the Annex I of the Birds Directive and possibly establish the return of a small population of Lanius collurio, Caprimulgus europaeus or Lullula arborea.
• Due to its location in the densely populated Flemish region, the project area has a very important role to play for the people. A significant increase of the socio-economic potential of this Natura 2000 area, through optimally using the possibilities for nature-oriented recreation, integrating volunteers into nature management and informing local people, visitors and authorities about the project and building new partnerships as an example of good practice is therefore another very important objective of this Life+- project proposal. We wish to realise a Life+-project that demonstrates the participation of local people into large scale habitat restoration.

Actions and means involved

• Development of two integrated management plans, based on a detailed vegetation map and field research and at the end of the project an ‘after Life conservation plan’ which highlights the long term perspectives for the area.
• To adjust the exact measures to be taken during the actions, an ecohydrological study for the project area (two valleys) will be undertaken, as well as nutrient analysis of the soil to be removed.
• Writing of detailed plans for efficient and effective habitat restoration.
• Monitoring of the (first) results.
• Acquisition of 42 ha in the project area in order to start a large-scale restoration of the target Annex I habitats and their associated species towards the favourable conservation status of the habitats, and populations. Without acquisition, the restoration of the Annex I habitats in the area is not possible, due to the high fragmentation of properties and habitats.
• Large-scale restoration of the Annex I habitats in the project area, in the first place on the newly acquired land, which, in turn form good habitats for several species of the Bird and Habitat Directive as well. The restoration is carried out by removing wood and sod-cutting on cleared up spruce and pine plantations, reintegrate former meander bends into the waterstream path and placing natural stone dams to renaturalize the depth of the brook, removing spontaneous trees/vegetation on abandoned land, development of new alluvial forests, integrating sites with buildings, removing the nutrient rich top soil and restoration of the original soil profile of former agricultural land, restoration of the natural hydrology and freshwater habitats, restoration of several fen habitats, removing of exotic invasive species in heathland and woodland habitats, and fencing to start grazing management on an area of 81 ha.
• Acquisition of specialised equipment to carry out habitat restoration in extremely difficult situations (e.g. restoration of quacking bogs and transition mires (7140), species rich Nardus grasslands (6230+), hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities (6430), lowland hay meadows (6510), Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands (2330) and moist and dry heathlands (4010 and 4030).
• Development and realisation of a wide range of measures to promote the tourist and socio-economical potential of the area. Such as the development of an information film explaining the value of the area, its habitats and the importance of its European protection (Natura 2000) and the Life+-project, publication of several leaflets, new information panels, the development of new tracks and information signs, putting information on the internet, the publication of articles, the writing of a layman’s report and yearly public activities.
• Organisation of several activities to exchange knowledge and experience with the local people, other Life projects and several authorities, for instance by organising a workshop,…
• Informing the people in the neighbourhood about the threat of alien species invading the area via garden litter.

Expected results (outputs and quantified achievements)

• Large-scale restoration and sustainable development of the higher mentioned Annex I habitats in the project area. After, the Life+-project, the two valleys (Bosbeek and Itterbeek) will be one of the core areas in lowland Europe for several Annex I habitats, especially for quacking bogs and transition mires (7140), alluvial forests (Saliceto-Franguletum and Carici elongatae-Alnetum (91E0+)), Arrhenatherion (6510) and Filipendulion vegetations (6430) and Nardus grassland (6230+), Corynephorus and Agrostis dune grasslands (2330), old oak forests (9190), moist and dry heathland systems (4010 and 4030) and Littorellion and Nanocypertalia fen vegetations (3130).
• Restoration and increase of population of Luscinia svecica and Alcedo atthis and perhaps the return of Lanius collurio, Caprimulgus europaeus or Lullula arborea.
• Better visitor facilities and more information (brochures, film, leaflets, flyers) about the area and a better socio-economic support of the Natura 2000 area and the Life project. More visitors visiting the nature reserve with respect for the natural values.