Overijssel secures 4 million euros to boost Black-tailed Godwit habitats and support farmers
Overijssel receives 4 million euros from the central government to enhance meadow bird habitats, particularly for the Black-tailed Godwit. Farmers and agricultural collectives will benefit from immediate funding to improve biodiversity and water management in Natura 2000 areas.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | 4 million euros |
| Province | Overijssel |
| Focus Species | Black-tailed Godwit |
| Funding Source | Central Government |
| Allocation to Collectives | 2.4 million euros (Midden Overijssel, Noord West Overijssel, Noord Oost Twente) |
| Additional Funding Scheme | Groenblauwe Dooradering (12 million euros) |
| Key Measures | Shallow pools, herb-rich grasslands, water management, nest protection |
| Next Steps | Open call for CAP scheme in September 2026 |
The central government plays a key role in funding and shaping agricultural nature management policies, such as those outlined in the Contourenbrief Agrarisch Natuurbeheer. This funding enables provinces like Overijssel to implement local biodiversity measures in collaboration with farmers and agricultural collectives.
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4 million euros from central government for Black-tailed Godwit habitat in Overijssel
Overijssel is to receive 4 million euros from the central government to strengthen the habitat of the Black-tailed Godwit and for agricultural nature management around Natura 2000 areas. Thanks to a request submitted by the province to the central government, these funds are being made available early, allowing Overijssel to start using them immediately.
The investment aligns with national plans for agricultural nature management, as outlined in the Contourenbrief Agrarisch Natuurbeheer. With this contribution, Overijssel can now begin implementing measures to support meadow birds and biodiversity.
Deputy Maurits von Martels is pleased with the central government funding: “This is great news for farmers who work every day to manage nature in general and meadow birds in particular. With this contribution, we can further strengthen the habitat of the Black-tailed Godwit and, together with farmers, take real steps in the field.”
Von Martels previously advocated for meadow birds as a member of the House of Representatives, including through the initiative note Weidse blik op weidevogels.
Improved living environment for the Black-tailed Godwit
A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to measures aimed at improving the habitat of the Black-tailed Godwit. These include:
- creating and expanding shallow pools where godwits can breed and forage
- herb-rich grasslands with more insects for young meadow birds
- better water management to ensure water availability even during dry periods
- measures to better protect nests from predation
- investments in agricultural nature management around Natura 2000 areas
The measures contribute to the provincial Actieplan Weide- en Akkervogels 2024-2028 and the national Aanvalsplan Grutto.
Collaboration with agricultural collectives
Of the total amount, 2.4 million euros will be made available to the three agricultural collectives in Overijssel: Midden Overijssel, Noord West Overijssel and Noord Oost Twente.
Through an open call under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in September 2026, they will be able to invest in measures such as shallow pools, chick-land mixtures, water management, drones for monitoring and predation control. In addition, the Groenblauwe Dooradering scheme will provide an additional 12 million euros for new landscape features around Natura 2000 areas.
Next steps
The open call for the CAP scheme is scheduled for September 2026. Once the first measures are visible in the field, the province, together with the central government, plans to organise a field visit.