European Rewilding Network
ERN1503
Drents-Friese Wold
Nature restoration in Drents-Friese Wold National Park
One of the largest areas of natural beauty in the Netherlands is the Drents-Friese Wold National Park.
The main objective of the project is nature restoration off the upper course of the small lowland stream de Vledder Aa, giving back a more natural course to the stream after being channelled. Stimulation for a more natural forest development is another part of the project. Natural grazing by Sayaguesa cattle is taking place and potential to reintroduce red deer, fallow deer in the future are being discussed.
Project:
Drents-Friese Wold
Region:
Drenthe
Type of protection:
Natura 2000, Birds Directive area, core area of National Ecological Network (in Dutch: EHS)
Habitat types:
Marshes, moorland, old oak forests
(H3130, H3160, H4010, H 4030, H 7110 B, H 7150, h 9190)
(H3130, H3160, H4010, H 4030, H 7110 B, H 7150, h 9190)
Keystone species:
Otter
Fauna (mega) species present:
Badger
Aim and vision:
Transformation of a cultural landscape to a more natural landscape, where natural processes including natural grazing are allowed to shape the system.
For the next 10 years work towards clean and species-rich water in the stream, and encouraging a more natural forest development through expansion of grazing in surface as well as welcoming other species of large wild animals. All this in collaboration with Stichting Het Drentse Landschap, Staatbosbeheer en Vereniging Natuurmonumenten.
Uniqueness of the project:
The successful transformation of a cultural landscape to a more natural landscape in which natural processes are allowed to take place.
Other activities:
Community involved, Eco tourism, Education
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
The hydrology of the area is restored. The red deer, fallow deer and wild boar have been reintroduced. The Sayaguesa herd has grown in numbers and the grazed area is enlarged. The forest has a much more natural look. This project will become a local product for branding and promotion of the region.
Results so far:
Through a European LIFE project work towards further recovery of natural water levels.
The forestry activities are now largely stopped.
A study is completed for the reintroduction of red deer, fallow deer and wild boar.
The forestry activities are now largely stopped.
A study is completed for the reintroduction of red deer, fallow deer and wild boar.
Inspirational value:
The relatively widespread restoration of the natural values and the associated natural processes. The result stands out due to increased biodiversity. The measures taken rely generally on local support.
Experience you would like to share:
Sharing knowledge about restoration of lowland stream valleys and changes in forest management. How to use a culturally changed landscape in a more natural landscape.
Changing natural grazing regime by replacing Scottish Highland cattle with Sayaguesa cattle.
Changing natural grazing regime by replacing Scottish Highland cattle with Sayaguesa cattle.
Experience you would like to gain:
Experiences with reintroduction and spontaneous establishment of large wildlife, and how to deal with potential conflicts. This could include agricultural damage and casualties. Experiences with management or non management in natural forests.
Country
Netherlands
Start year
Restoration of lowland stream Vledder Aa started in 2000
Size (ha)
1070
Area type
Forest-grassland mosaic
Natural process
Flooding, Natural grazing
Flagship species
Feral cattle
One of the largest areas of natural beauty in the Netherlands is the Drents-Friese Wold National Park.
The main objective of the project is nature restoration off the upper course of the small lowland stream de Vledder Aa, giving back a more natural course to the stream after being channelled. Stimulation for a more natural forest development is another part of the project. Natural grazing by Sayaguesa cattle is taking place and potential to reintroduce red deer, fallow deer in the future are being discussed.
Country
Netherlands
Start year
Restoration of lowland stream Vledder Aa started in 2000
Size (ha)
1070
Area type
Forest-grassland mosaic
Natural process
Flooding, Natural grazing
Flagship species
Feral cattle
Specification
Project:
Drents-Friese Wold
Region:
Drenthe
Type of protection:
Natura 2000, Birds Directive area, core area of National Ecological Network (in Dutch: EHS)
Habitat types:
Marshes, moorland, old oak forests
(H3130, H3160, H4010, H 4030, H 7110 B, H 7150, h 9190)
(H3130, H3160, H4010, H 4030, H 7110 B, H 7150, h 9190)
Keystone species:
Otter
Fauna (mega) species present:
Badger
Description
Aim and vision:
Transformation of a cultural landscape to a more natural landscape, where natural processes including natural grazing are allowed to shape the system.
For the next 10 years work towards clean and species-rich water in the stream, and encouraging a more natural forest development through expansion of grazing in surface as well as welcoming other species of large wild animals. All this in collaboration with Stichting Het Drentse Landschap, Staatbosbeheer en Vereniging Natuurmonumenten.
Uniqueness of the project:
The successful transformation of a cultural landscape to a more natural landscape in which natural processes are allowed to take place.
Other activities:
Community involved, Eco tourism, Education
Achievements
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
The hydrology of the area is restored. The red deer, fallow deer and wild boar have been reintroduced. The Sayaguesa herd has grown in numbers and the grazed area is enlarged. The forest has a much more natural look. This project will become a local product for branding and promotion of the region.
Results so far:
Through a European LIFE project work towards further recovery of natural water levels.
The forestry activities are now largely stopped.
A study is completed for the reintroduction of red deer, fallow deer and wild boar.
The forestry activities are now largely stopped.
A study is completed for the reintroduction of red deer, fallow deer and wild boar.
Exchange
Inspirational value:
The relatively widespread restoration of the natural values and the associated natural processes. The result stands out due to increased biodiversity. The measures taken rely generally on local support.
Experience you would like to share:
Sharing knowledge about restoration of lowland stream valleys and changes in forest management. How to use a culturally changed landscape in a more natural landscape.<br />
Changing natural grazing regime by replacing Scottish Highland cattle with Sayaguesa cattle.<br />
Experience you would like to gain:
Experiences with reintroduction and spontaneous establishment of large wildlife, and how to deal with potential conflicts. This could include agricultural damage and casualties. Experiences with management or non management in natural forests.