Zeeland's nature gets €20 million boost: dunes, birds and farmland benefit
Zeeland has transformed 2,500 hectares of nature with a €20 million investment, restoring dunes, creating bird habitats, and tackling invasive species. Residents can now enjoy healthier landscapes, but ongoing challenges like nitrogen pollution mean the work continues.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | Nearly €20 million |
| Nature Area Improved | 2,500 hectares (e.g., Kop van Schouwen) |
| Key Achievements | Restored dunes, new shell beaches, reduced invasive species |
| Next Phase Funding | Over €38 million (2026-2032) |
| Province | Zeeland |
| Focus Areas | Natura 2000 areas, farmland nature, experimental plots |
| Ongoing Challenge | Nitrogen deposition |
The Province of Zeeland is responsible for managing and restoring natural areas within its borders, ensuring biodiversity and ecological resilience. This includes implementing regional nature programs and collaborating with national policies, such as the nitrogen plan, to address environmental pressures.
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Province improves 2,500 hectares of nature and continues efforts
With an investment of nearly €20 million, nature restoration has been carried out on a large scale in Zeeland over the past few years. Thousands of hectares of nature have been strengthened, and concrete improvements are now visible in the field. For example, in the Kop van Schouwen alone, around 2,500 hectares of nature have been enhanced by addressing invasive species and grazing.
Visible results
The results are clearly evident. Work has begun to restore the movement of the dunes, countering acidification and allowing characteristic dune landscapes to return. New shell beaches have been created along the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde, serving as breeding and resting areas for coastal birds. Invasive species such as American bird cherry and Japanese rose have also been significantly reduced, giving native species more space to thrive.
Additionally, investments have been made in nature outside Natura 2000 areas, including nature elements on farmland and experimental plots. This contributes to a stronger and more cohesive natural system in Zeeland.
‘We are restoring nature, but the pressure remains’
According to Deputy Wilfried Nielen, the €20 million investment has yielded real results, though the work is not yet complete. “It’s great that we are seeing success—not just on paper, but visibly in the field. Dunes are recovering, birds are reclaiming space, and vulnerable natural areas are becoming more resilient. At the same time, reality is stubborn: despite these efforts, the pressure on our nature remains high. Particularly nitrogen deposition means that restoration does not happen automatically and can even be undone in some places. That’s why it’s good that we are now working hard on implementing the nitrogen plan and moving forward on a different track with the second phase of the Nature Programme.”
Next phase
The first phase of the Nature Programme continues until 2026. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the second phase, for which over €38 million has been allocated through a specific grant (SPUK) from the central government. This phase runs until 2032. In the coming period, this phase will be further developed and opened up, allowing additional measures to be implemented—particularly in areas where pressure on nature is greatest. This way, we continue working hard to strengthen and restore Zeeland’s nature.