Heiberg (BE)
LOCATION + COORDINATES
Lavendelweg, Herentals (BE)
Heathland restoration at 51.198861, 4.862500 decimal coordinates
Heathland restoration at 51.207083, 4.858222 decimal coordinates
CATEGORY
Demonstration sites for infiltration restoration through forest conversion
DESCRIPTION SITE
The Heiberg, a reserve of 60 ha, is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The heathland relicts, recently restored heathland and pine plantations included, lie within the catchment of the river Nete. Surrounding pine plantations and urban areas limit the capacity for water retention and infiltration. The river valley is vulnerable for floods and droughts. To maximise the infiltration capacity of the Heiberg in a location important to water production, Natuurpunt will convert 2,5 ha of high interception pine plantation to heathland, a European target habitat. The high interception pine plantations have a low infiltration capacity, compared to the ecologically valuable and low interception heathland. Similar conversions in the catchment Kleine Nete have already proven successful, resulting in increased infiltration as well as the restoration of ecologically valuable habitat.
MEASURES
2,5 ha pine plantations will be cut and restored to former heathland
Valuable trees as oaks and structure rich pines will be conserved (5% of the total surface)
TIMING
2019 - 2022
BUDGET
€ 609 676 in TOTAL for Heiberg, Visbeek, Den Rooy and Griesbroek demonstration sites
PARTNERS
Natuurpunt
CONTACT
Pictures by:
Jonas Dillen (picture of Snepkens pond in summer, close to the site)
Katrien Degreef (banner of heath in bloom)