]> 2026-04-22T12:31:59+00:00 Case study:Restoration of the lowland river system Grote Nete 500 en Natuurpunt Beheer Project brochure Laermans W., Versweyveld S., Verwaerde J. et al. (2011) Welkom in de vallei van de Grote Nete. Natuurpunt; pp. 20  Life Grote Nete - Restoration of the lowland river system Grote Nete, Belgium Life Grote Nete - Restoration of the lowland river system 'Grote Nete Life Grote Nete Layman report Approved Natuurpunt Beheer v.z.w. European Union Yes No Yes See references 51.1002931,4.790994 Tom Natuurpunt Beheer v.z.w. De Beelde ,, ,,, As a result from restoration actions, a total of 32 ha of poplar plantations were felled or will die standing to make room for alluvial forest. Additionally, 42 ha of former agricultural land will spontaneously evolve towards forest, as a result of measures taken by the project. Also, good grazing management practices have been implemented to help developing a gradient of open and heavily grazed forests, as well as closed and almost non-grazed forests. 18 weekend cottages were removed and 15 horticultural ponds were restored to be re-integrated in the landscape. Another important aspect of the project was the re-naturalisation of the river De Kleine Hoofdgracht. This action was implemented by the province of Antwerp, which removed the dikes along a stretch of 690 m and created more than 2 ha of open water, marshland and oxbows etc. The result is an improved habitat for endangered fish, such as the target species, brook lamprey and spined loach. Pine plantations and sod were cut, now providing a land dune of 15 ha for wind dynamics and free recreation to take place and contribute in keeping this area an open habitat. Over 60 ha is under continuous management of the area by a local farmer partnership. Also hiking trails were installed (with bridges and board walks) and hiking brochures were produced to increase the ecotourism value of the region for visitors. 11916 2012-03-31Z 2456017.5 2005-01-17Z 2453387.5 Complete This project targeted 1850 ha in the valley of the Grote Nete to restore a habitat mosaic landscape. The valley holds 11 remarkable habitat types, including sand dune and dune-heath vegetation, dry heath, species-rich grasslands, aquatic plant communities and forests on wet soils. Some rare species are also present. Natuurpunt and the Flemish Region have established several protected areas in the valley. However afforestation, eutrophication, habitat fragmentation, intensification of agriculture, and disturbances still have adverse affects for the natural hydrology of the river. Restoration works involved clearing trees, re-naturalising river courses and landscape hydrology, eradication of invasive water plants and improving spawning possibilities for fish in the river system. An integrated management plan for the site would be prepared and actions implemented to ensure permanent conservation of the habitats. Restoration of the lowland river system Grote Nete restoration of the lowland river system grote nete http://www.life-grotenete.be/ TOTAL BUDGET 3,120,940.00 € EU CONTRIBUTION 1,560,470.00 € Habitat and biodiversity 3120.94 2013-09-27T13:58:24Z 2456563.0822222 2018-11-01T13:08:33Z 2458424.0476042 Restoration of the lowland river system Grote Nete