Bossche Broek

The Bossche Broek is part of the Natura 2000 area Vlijmens Ven, Moerputten, and Bossche Broek. This nature reserve has traditionally been an extensive spring marsh with reed fields and lush flowering hay meadows. The rare hay meadows and spring nature are characteristic of the landscape in this Natura 2000 area. The area was previously used as a floodplain for water from the Dommel or Aa. Here, water was collected to prevent flooding in Den Bosch. Since 2017, it has again become an inundation area during times of extreme high water.

Spring Nature

The nature reserve is known for its unique spring nature. A large amount of pure and mineral-rich spring water rises to the fields from below. Spring water is a form of groundwater that is pushed to the surface through impermeable soil layers. The groundwater deep in the soil comes into contact with soil layers rich in minerals such as iron. The water absorbs these minerals and thus rises as mineral-rich spring water. Plant and animal species that prefer moist and marshy areas, such as the buttercup, great burnet, water violet, and the protected fish species the large mud loach, benefit from this mineral-rich water.

Measures

Due to drying out and acidification, the spring nature is not doing well. The nature is weakened, the amount of spring water has decreased significantly, and species are disappearing from the area. Therefore, it is important that we strengthen the area again. The measures focus on the flow and retention of spring water in the area. Together with Water Board De Dommel, State Forestry is working on this restoration. To achieve this, new weirs have been installed to better regulate the water, ditches have been made shallower, the groundwater level has been raised, and the water level in the Zuiderplas has been increased. More water storage in the soil provides a better habitat for protected plants and animals. Slowly, species that belong in the spring marshes are returning. Plants such as the marsh orchid and water strawberry are blooming again in the hay meadows. With these measures, we are halting the decline of nature in this area.

Despite positive results, it remains important to manage the area well. External influences still exert significant pressure on the nature in the area. Nitrogen deposition causes acidification of the soil. To counteract this acidification, State Forestry is implementing mowing management. The fields are mowed in the spring so that the nitrogen-fed grasses are removed more quickly. By mowing more and removing the cuttings, the grasslands are impoverished. This gives special plants the chance and space to establish themselves in the area.

Recreation Area

The Bossche Broek is strongly connected to the city of Den Bosch due to its location and is therefore an important escape area for the city. In addition to the developments in nature restoration, it remains important to keep the Bossche Broek accessible. The area is becoming wetter, so adjustments to paths and recreational facilities are being made. In collaboration with the municipality of s-Hertogenbosch, the cycling and walking paths in the area have been raised. Due to the increase in the water level of the Zuiderplas, the docks of the sailing club have been raised here. This way, we together ensure a robust and strong nature that the recreational visitor can continue to enjoy.