Shell grit boosts wildlife and plants in Ede's De Ginkel nature reserve
Residents near Ede’s De Ginkel can now enjoy a thriving local ecosystem, thanks to a calcium boost from shell grit. Birds, plants, and insects are flourishing after the 2021 intervention, countering soil acidification and improving biodiversity for years to come.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | De Ginkel, Ede (Gelderland) |
| Area Treated | 385 hectares |
| Material Used | Shell grit, stone meal |
| Year of Intervention | 2021 |
| Bird Impact | Eliminated calcium deficiency; fewer broken legs in tits and other birds |
| Plant Species Recorded | Over 30 species, including flowering plants |
| Soil Improvement | Calcium content in topsoil doubled |
| Follow-up Study Location | Edese Bos (shell grit spread in early 2025) |
The municipality of Ede and the Province of Gelderland are responsible for managing and restoring natural areas within their jurisdiction. Their role includes commissioning research and implementing measures to combat environmental issues like soil acidification, ensuring sustainable biodiversity.
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Spreading shell grit on De Ginkel has wide-ranging positive effects on nature
Spreading shell grit on De Ginkel in Ede has had wide-ranging positive effects on the nature in the area. Birds, soil organisms and plants are all benefiting from the calcium that was spread across De Ginkel in 2021 using a helicopter. This is according to research commissioned by the municipality of Ede and the Province of Gelderland.
At the end of 2020, shell grit was spread in the forests of De Ginkel and on a small part of the heathland, with the aim of countering soil acidification and restoring nature. In smaller sections of the area, other calcium-rich products such as stone meal were also tested. A total of 385 hectares were treated. The effects of the measure have been studied over the past few years.
Nitrogen
Tits
The calcium deficiency in tits and other forest birds has disappeared. Before the measures were taken, nests were often found with birds with broken legs because the animals could not find enough calcium. A preliminary study in 2021 already showed a positive effect, and this has continued. This is because the animals can still find the shell grit on the ground, but also because there are now more soil organisms, such as woodlice, millipedes and snails.
Plants
In the limed area, more than 30 plant species have been recorded. The increase in flowering plants also appears to have positive effects on insects, such as hoverflies, bees and wasps, according to the researchers. There was also a positive effect on the herbaceous species on the heathland. The oak forests also seem to be benefiting: there is less caterpillar damage to the trees, and leaf chlorophyll measurements have shown more positive results.
Soil
In the oak forest, the calcium content in the topsoil layer, the litter layer, doubled. Deeper in the soil, hardly any effects were measured.
Edese Bos
At the beginning of 2025, shell grit was spread in the Edese Bos. The effects of this action are also being studied.