9.5 Million for Restoration of Brabant Forests

They will restore approximately 1250 hectares of forest. Additionally, work will be done to improve water management.

Staatsbosbeheer, Bosgroep Zuid Nederland and Natuurmonumenten will receive a total subsidy of €9.5 million from the Province of North Brabant for forest revitalization. They will restore approximately 1250 hectares of forest (equivalent to about 1850 football fields) in four areas: Chaamse bossen, Strijbeek, Stippelberg, and the Maashorst. Additionally, work will be done to improve water management. This way, the province and its partners in the respective areas ensure healthy forests that can last for a long time. The organizations have until the end of 2028 to carry out their activities.

Deputy Hagar Roijackers (Nature, Environment and Rural Area Approach): “With various measures, we work together with parties in Brabant on healthy forests and soils. We call this forest revitalization, and for example, we ensure more diverse trees in existing forests, healthy soil, and sufficient water in the soil during droughts. This makes the forest stronger and better prepared for the future. And that is important because forests contribute to much biodiversity (The variety of life in a particular area), provide relaxation, supply wood, store CO2, and contribute to a beautiful and healthy living environment in Brabant.”

Getting Started in 4 Areas

The province, together with its partners, has examined where in Brabant it is best to start forest revitalization. This led to the selection of four areas because the available financial resources can actually complete the necessary work before the end of 2028. These are the Chaamse bossen, Strijbeek, Stippelberg, and the Maashorst. Various tree species will be planted here, dead wood will remain, and different layers will be present in the forest such as herbs, shrubs, and trees. Dead wood is important for many animal species. Trees that hollow out are, for example, a perfect place for an owls nest. In the various layers of the forest, different plants and animals find a suitable habitat.

Why Restoration is Needed

The Brabant forests are under pressure. Due to too much nitrogen entering the soil, drying out, and climate change, nature is deteriorating. The province wants to put a stop to this and therefore has made agreements with partners in its Brabant Trees Action Plan to restore the forests.

What it Yields

Healthy forests help the climate. They absorb CO₂ and retain water better. With the measures the province takes for forest revitalization, the province and its partners contribute to the climate goals from the Dutch Climate Agreement and the Brabant Drought Agenda 2040.

Deputy Saskia Boelema (Water and Soil): With this investment in Brabant forests, we are not only taking a big step for healthy nature but also for a robust water system. Healthy soils and forests retain water better and help us combat drought. This makes this project part of the Brabant Drought Agenda 2040. Together we ensure a resilient Brabant with nice forests that Brabanders can enjoy for a long time.

Valuable Contribution from the National Government

The subsidy for forest revitalization still comes from the Transition Fund Rural Area of the National Government. The province received a contribution of €17.7 million for forest revitalization for its well-substantiated application of a package of NoRegret measures. With this financial help from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the province works until 2030 on the goals of the Brabant Trees Action Plan. The rest of the money will be used by the province in the coming years for other projects focused on healthy forests.