Boekel and Maashorst gain new ecological corridor to boost local wildlife
Residents of Boekel and Maashorst can soon enjoy a thriving ecological corridor along the Meerkensloop stream, creating new habitats for plants and animals. The project, a collaboration between local governments, enhances biodiversity and adds natural beauty to the landscape.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Meerkensloop stream, between Uden, Boekel, and Maashorst |
| Project Partners | Waterschap Aa en Maas, Municipalities of Boekel and Maashorst |
| Key Species Benefiting | Amphibians, birds, butterflies, and new plant species |
| Completion Timeline | Earthworks finished; planting and fencing ongoing; full completion by end of March |
| Special Discovery | Geological faults resembling a natural masterpiece found during excavation |
| Official Handover | Expected in May 2026 |
Waterschap Aa en Maas is responsible for managing water systems and nature conservation in the region, ensuring sustainable water use and ecological balance. The municipalities of Boekel and Maashorst collaborate with the water board to enhance local landscapes and biodiversity through joint projects like this ecological corridor.
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New nature strip between Boekel and Maashorst
A new nature strip is to be created along the Meerkensloop stream between Uden and Boekel. Waterschap Aa en Maas, in collaboration with the municipalities of Boekel and Maashorst, will establish a new ecological corridor along this stream, connecting natural areas. This will provide more living space for plants and animals, such as amphibians, birds and butterflies, enabling them to thrive. The area will also become more attractive to new plant and animal species thanks to the new layout. An ecological corridor not only benefits nature, it also adds variety to the landscape. During excavation work for the ecological corridor (EVZ) Meerkensloop, remarkable geological faults were discovered, resembling a true natural masterpiece!
Project implementation on schedule
During a site visit in the spring sunshine, the aldermen of Boekel, Jeanne van Eert and Matt Kanters, together with Ernest de Groot (board member of Waterschap Aa en Maas) and Jeroen van den Heuvel, alderman of Maashorst, saw visible progress being made in the area. At the Biesthoek site, the earthworks have now been completed. The planting has been done and the fencing is currently being installed. Over the coming weeks, the remaining sections of the Meerkensloop will have their earthworks completed, followed by the finishing touches, planting and fencing.
Alderman Matt Kanters: “This project shows that in Boekel we don’t just talk about nature, we take real action. By connecting areas, we strengthen our landscape and achieve visible results.”
Desired addition for wildlife, nature and the environment
The work is expected to be completed by the end of March. During the tour, Ernest de Groot emphasised how important this milestone is for the three authorities: the ecological corridor has been on their wish list for years.
Alderman Jeanne van Eert is delighted: “The nature strip beautifully illustrates how the Peelrand faults shape the landscape. This unique subsoil gives the area its own character, a place where you can feel the peace and where plants and animals benefit from the special conditions.”
This is a highlight that the water board and municipalities will soon be happy to celebrate together. An official handover event is therefore expected to be organised in May. More information about this will follow later.
From left to right: aldermen of Boekel Matt Kanters and Jeanne van Eert, alderman of Maashorst Jeroen van den Heuvel and Ernest de Groot, daily board member of Waterschap Aa en Maas