The works at Oosteindsche Veen, near Schoonebeek, have been successfully completed. On January 30, a festive event marked the projects completion. This marks an important step in the protection and restoration of a rare raised bog landscape. The project contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and climate goals.
Rare Raised Bog Under Pressure
The Oosteindsche Veen was a dried-out raised bog remnant and hosts one of the last pieces of raised bog in the Netherlands. Raised bogs were once common in the northern Netherlands but have greatly diminished due to human activities. Therefore, the preservation and strengthening of the remaining raised bog areas and the typical species living there are of great importance. Additionally, raised bogs play a major role in the climate. They can store large amounts of water and CO₂. When the bog dries out, greenhouse gases are released. Restoration of raised bog is therefore more urgent than ever.
Deputy Yvonne Turenhout: “We restore the Oosteindsche Veen with care for nature and the surroundings. That is why we worked as emission-free as possible, using electric machines. This limited emissions during the works and helps make this special raised bog area stronger and healthier – for now and the future.”
Stronger Nature and Better Connection with Bargerveen
The Oosteindsche Veen is approximately 128 hectares and forms an important link in nature restoration in the region. The reorganization measures focus on strengthening the raised bog and improving the ecological connection with the nearby Natura 2000 area Bargerveen.
This connection was recently strengthened by the construction of the Koelveen connecting zone. This creates a larger, contiguous nature zone, giving rare animal species more space to settle and reproduce.
Partners and Administrative Committee
The project was carried out under the Natural Countryside Program, commissioned by the Bargerveen-Schoonebeek Administrative Committee, in cooperation with the Province of Drenthe, Staatsbosbeheer, the municipality of Emmen, and the Vechtstromen Water Board. Prolander managed the process from preparation to execution, and Fühler Groen from Emmen was the contractor who realized the project.