About 10% of the trees in Heidepark-Vredelust will be removed to create space and light for future trees and to plant new tree species. Dead wood and branch and top wood (wood from the tops of trees, ed.) will remain in the forest as a food source for other greenery and as a shelter for small animals.

Quality wood will be harvested and sustainably reused. In place of the felled trees, 7,120 new trees will be planted. The municipality will plant 25 different species of plants, including winter linden, hornbeam, sweet cherries, and hazels. The trees will be planted in groups.

Breeding Season

The felling of the trees is scheduled for mid-November. The aim is to complete all work before the upcoming breeding season. This work complies with all legal frameworks and decisions regarding flora and fauna (species protection). The forest managers will carry out the work with attention to existing animals and plants according to an ecological work protocol. A notification has been made to remove part of the trees to the Province of North Brabant.

Informative Walk

Residents who want to know more about the work at Heidepark-Vredelust can come to the forest café on Sunday, October 26. During this meeting/walk, they will receive explanations about the work and why it was chosen. The forest café is open from 10 AM to 12 PM. Participants will gather at 10 AM halfway along Pompstationweg, the walk will start at 10:30 AM. The meeting point is clearly recognizable with flags and the log cart from Weijtmans. Registration is required and can be done by sending an email to bosbeheertilburg@weijtmans.nl. Please indicate how many people will attend. There is room for 40 participants.

Why?

Research shows that the forest in Heidepark-Vredelust is vulnerable due to a limited composition of tree species (mainly American oak, Scots pine, beech, and native oak) and strong soil acidification. This negatively affects the vitality of the forest and biodiversity. Therefore, the municipality will:

  • Make the forest resilient to climate change by planting species that are better suited to climate extremes.
  • Increase biodiversity with tree and shrub species that provide more nutrients in the soil.
  • Make cultural historical elements such as baroque paths and ponds more visible and livable.