HAbitat Restoration in the WINgevalley: ecological restoration and endangered species recovery in a fragmented landscape

Introduction

LIFE HARWIN is part of the LIFE sub-programme “Nature and Biodiversity”. The project region suffers from several threats like habitat fragmentation and too small habitats.

Project Goals

In this project, we aim for the ecological restoration and quality improvement of 350 ha qualifying habitats along the entire gradient of the Winge Valley:

• Aquatic habitats:
  • 3130 (annex species Luronium natans)
  • 3140
  • 3150
• Heathland habitats:
  • 6230*
  • 4030
  • 4010
• Grassland habitats:
  • 6410
  • 6510
• Fen habitats:
  • 7140
  • 7230
• Forest habitats:
  • 9120
  • 91E0*
  • 9160

Target locations for the restoration of habitats are consistently chosen adjacent to restore habitat connectivity and attain a favorable habitat size. This is crucial because remaining habitats are mostly small and isolated, characterized by a lot of species loss and are not part of a sustainable natural ecosystem anymore.

Benefits of Restoration

This restoration will also benefit the expansion or (re)colonization of several Annex I species of the Birds Directive and Annex II species of the Habitat Directive.

Implementation

For achieving this goal, Natuurpunt and ANB, two professional nature conservation managers and the main landowners of the project area, will implement the restoration actions.

Collaboration

This cooperation is reinforced by the academic input of APM and KU Leuven, both located near the project area, who will bring in their expertise in studying populations confronted with environmental pollution and habitat fragmentation, as well as the restoration of remnant populations through ex-situ cultivation and reintroduction.

The partnership thus ensures the valorization in practical applications of environmental science, in defiance of any gap that can exist between academic scientists, professionals, and volunteers. Therefore, the expertise of the Dutch umbrella foundation LA, which was founded precisely to bridge the gap between academic institutions and professionals and volunteers, will be indispensable for the goals of this project.