Berkelland boosts biodiversity with 154 hectares of herb-rich grassland and new nature projects
Residents of Berkelland can enjoy cleaner air, water, and a more resilient landscape as the municipality rolls out projects to restore biodiversity. From herb-rich grasslands to new hedges and ponds, these efforts help wildlife thrive while reducing heat stress and pollution for locals.
| Project | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Herb-rich grassland | 154 hectares converted by 40+ farmers | Less artificial fertiliser, cleaner water, drought-resistant soil |
| Green-blue network | 10 km of new nature, including hedges, tree rows, and ponds | Enhanced biodiversity, improved water management |
| Bolksebeek valley | Solar-powered pump to maintain damp grasslands | Better habitat for meadow birds like black-tailed godwits and lapwings |
| New nature installations | 3,874 m² hedges, 5,098 m² tree rows, 142 fruit trees, 2,500 m² small woods | More green spaces, reduced heat stress, cleaner air |
The municipality of Berkelland is responsible for local environmental policy, including biodiversity initiatives. It collaborates with provincial authorities, farmers, and nature organisations to implement projects that enhance the living environment for both wildlife and residents.
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Working together to improve our living environment
Through our biodiversity plan, we are implementing projects that promote more plant and animal species. We manage roadside verges naturally and plant Dutch trees and shrubs. A varied landscape is more resilient and better equipped to handle diseases and climate change.
A pleasant living environment
Our municipality includes various areas for plants and animals: agricultural landscapes, urban centres, streams and rivers, forests and heathlands, and species-rich grasslands. In Berkelland, meadow birds, the tree sparrow, and grassland butterflies are struggling, while the tree frog and the red-backed shrike are doing better.
Councillor Hans van der Noordt says: “We are working towards a healthy and pleasant living environment for everyone. Clean air, clean drinking water, reduced heat stress, and a great place to live. We are doing this based on our biodiversity plan. You can help too. For example, choose fewer stones and more perennials or fruit trees in your garden. This will make your garden lively and directly contribute to greater biodiversity.”
Herb-rich grassland project
Since 2022, more than forty farmers have ordered seeds. Together, they have converted 154 hectares of perennial ryegrass into herb-rich grassland, including species such as clover, plantain, yarrow, and chicory. Herbs bring more life to the meadow and also improve the soil. They root deeper and are more drought-resistant. Legumes fix nitrogen themselves, meaning farmers need less artificial fertiliser, and water remains cleaner.
Green-blue network project
With a subsidy from the Gelderland province, the green-blue network and biodiversity in the municipality have been enhanced. In collaboration with the Gelderland Landscape Management Foundation and the agricultural nature association “Van Berkel en Slinge,” we have created nearly ten kilometres of new nature.
- 3,874 m² of hedges
- 5,098 m² of tree rows, wooded belts, hedgerows, pollarded trees, and avenue trees
- 142 standard fruit trees covering 9,088 m²
- 2,500 m² of small woods
- and 2 ponds
Bolksebeek valley project: more opportunities for meadow birds
For meadow birds in the Achterhoek region, raising their young is challenging. Small groups of black-tailed godwits, lapwings, and northern lapwings survive in wet to moist grasslands, such as in the Bolksbeek valley near the Hagdijk.
Pump with solar panels
To improve the habitat, the agricultural nature association “Van Berkel en Slinge,” with support from the municipality, installed a pump with solar panels. This pump draws water when the sun is shining, keeping the ground pleasantly damp. Around the wetland area, there are more than two hectares of herb-rich grassland where oxen graze. This creates rough and closely grazed patches—exactly what meadow birds need.