Beschrijving
LOCATION + COORDINATES
Grobbendonk (BE)
Fen restoration: 51°11'24.0"N, 4°42'8.50"E (Google Maps: 51.190007, 4.702368)
Heathland restoration: 51°11'17.10"N, 4°41'37.30"E (Google Maps: 51.188085, 4.693703)
CATEGORY
Demonstration sites for permanent natural water retention
Demonstration sites for infiltration restoration through forest conversion
DESCRIPTION SITE
The Grobbendonk site, is part of a 70 ha forest, near a drink water abstraction site of Pidpa. The fen, heathland relicts, recently restored heathland and pine plantations lie within the catchment of the river Nete. To maximise the infiltration capacity of the Grobbendonk abstraction site, Pidpa will restore the fen to its original size (Ferraris map of 1771), shape and condition, in collaboration with Regionaal Landschap Kleine en Grote Nete. The restored fen will store more water and allow slow release of the water to the underground throughout the year (buffering against drought spells as well as floods). Pidpa will also convert pine plantation to heathland, a European target habitat, historically present in the area. The high interception pine plantations have a low infiltration capacity, compared to the ecologically valuable and low interception heathland.
MEASURES
Restore the fen to its original size, shape and condition
Convert high interception pine tree forest into low interception heathland