Redesign of Golf Course for Nature Restoration

Drought in Brabant Nature

Brabant nature is facing serious drought. This means that the groundwater level in many areas is almost always too low. This is bad for the plants and animals living here. To help nature recover, we are implementing measures together with our partners. This happens not only in the nature reserves themselves but also in the surrounding areas. We are working in the vicinity of Natura 2000 areas on actions that ensure better soil, cleaner air, healthy water, and strong nature. We do this with the green-blue area-oriented approach.

Regte Heide and Riels Laag

Regte Heide and Riels Laag is a unique Natura 2000 area. The transitions from heath with ponds to stream valleys and the large elevation differences make the landscape special. Due to drought, this Natura 2000 area is under pressure. Plants and animals are at risk of disappearing as a result. Brabants Landschap and Waterschap De Dommel are carrying out work in the nature reserve to improve water management. With these measures, the groundwater level rises, and water drains less quickly from the nature reserve.

Golfclub Landgoed Nieuwkerk

Measures in the nature reserve alone are not sufficient to improve water management. Work is also being done on the adjacent golf course of Golfclub Landgoed Nieuwkerk to contribute to this nature goal. Water from the nature reserve flows off to the lower-lying golf course. As the area becomes saturated and we want to retain more water, a redesign of the terrain is necessary. The Province of North Brabant has granted Golfclub Landgoed Nieuwkerk a subsidy for this.

Redesign of Golf Course

The golf course has been redesigned with the construction of winding waterways and larger ponds. This allows water to be better retained and absorbed into the subsoil. Additionally, two large ponds are used as storage basins. Water is stored here to be used for irrigating the course during dry periods. This makes the course less dependent on the use of precious groundwater. To prevent wet feet for players on the course, parts of the course have been raised. The soil that was excavated from the new ponds and waterways was used for this.

This redesign also contributes to biodiversity (The variety of life in a given area). The measures create new spots where native plants and animals can settle. The terrain has also been enriched with shallow water areas and patches of marsh. The banks have also been made high and steep. This creates breeding sites for protected birds such as the sand martin and the kingfisher. The interests of nature, water, and recreation come together excellently in this project.