Heiloop stream restoration boosts drought resilience in Brabantse Wal
Residents of Ossendrecht and surrounding areas will benefit from improved water retention as the Heiloop stream restoration project completes. This initiative helps combat drought, supports biodiversity, and secures drinking water supplies for the region.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Heiloop ('t Loopke) stream restoration |
| Location | Ossendrecht, Noord-Brabant |
| Completion Date | 23 March 2026 |
| Key Measures | Installation of weirs, placement of dead wood, shallower stream sections |
| Funding Sources | Province of North Brabant, European funding |
| Collaborating Parties | Brabantse Delta water authority, Evides, Municipality of Woensdrecht, Natuurmonumenten |
| Objective | Retain water longer, reduce drought risk, enhance biodiversity |
The province of North Brabant plays a key role in funding and accelerating ecological restoration projects like the Heiloop stream. It coordinates with local governments and organizations to implement measures that address climate challenges and protect natural habitats. The Brabantse Delta water authority manages regional water systems, ensuring sustainable water use and resilience against drought.
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Stream restoration Heiloop makes Brabantse Wal more resilient to drought
On 23 March 2026, the festive completion of the Heiloop ('t Loopke) stream restoration project in Ossendrecht was celebrated. This stream contributes to drought in the area, as groundwater and rainwater quickly drain away. By redesigning the stream, water can be retained for longer, reducing the risk of drought in the area.
Photos: Judith Adriaansen Fotografie
Weirs, ditches and varied flow
Water is retained in the area for longer by installing weirs. In some places, dead wood has been placed in the stream, creating variation in flow. Part of the Heiloop ('t Loopke) has been made shallower. In addition, several ditches around the Heiloop have been filled in. These measures improve the water system and enhance biodiversity in the area.
Water, nature and agricultural transition come together
The project is part of the green-blue area-based approach (GGA). “The Heiloop is a concrete example of how provincial funds for Natura 2000 restoration and nitrogen-sensitive areas are being deployed in a targeted and accelerated manner. This project underscores the importance of timely implementation and collaboration between governments and implementing parties to achieve ecological goals. We see this approach as a building block within a broader area development on the Brabantse Wal, where water, nature and agricultural transition come together,” said deputy Saskia Boelema.
Measures implemented together
Daily board member of water authority Brabantse Delta Angelien Hagenaars says: “The Natura 2000 area Brabantse Wal is under pressure: climate change is making the area increasingly dry, and nitrogen deposition is reducing the quality of nature. That is why Brabantse Delta water authority, Evides, municipality of Woensdrecht and Natuurmonumenten have jointly implemented measures to retain water in the area for longer, protect drinking water supplies and strengthen nature.”
Maaike van de Ven, Director of Drinking Water Production at Evides Waterbedrijf, adds: “Nature is the best protection for our drinking water sources. That is why Evides is happy to contribute to improving the water system in the area. For example, Evides has created water storage along the Schapendreef and made its land available so that partners could take measures to retain more water.”
Subsidy
This project is made possible, among other things, by a subsidy: ‘Acceleration of restoration in nitrogen-sensitive Natura 2000 areas’ from the province of North Brabant and is supported by European funding.
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