Between the reed collars, the rippling water and the vast horizon is one of the most special nature reserves in the Netherlands: De Wieden. A mosaic of lakes, vibrators, reed lands and swamp forest created by centuries of peat extraction and transformed by nature itself into a living low moor landscape.
But even the most beautiful landscapes sometimes need a helping hand. Over time, the old pet holes grow shut, the open water disappears and with it the living space for many plant and animal species. To restore that balance, we start the Petgaten De Wieden – 2nd period together with the Province of Overijssel and Natuurmonumenten.
Anyone who sails over the water at Belt-Schutsloot or Giethoorn does not always see it directly, but a special process takes place under the reeds. This is called landing.
Open water changes step by step into floating peat, reed lands and ultimately swamp forest. That natural process is valuable, but when it happens everywhere at the same time, the variety that is so characteristic of De Wieden disappears.
This variety, from open water to swamp forest, is what makes the area rich in biodiversity. Otters find peace there, reed birds nest between the stems, and rare vibratory veins thrive on floating peat layers. To maintain that natural diversity, old pet holes must be dug open again. In doing so, we are restarting the landing cycle.
The work area is located south of the Belteruurde and around Belt-Schutsloot. Here we carry out the work in different phases:
Over the years, many pet holes have closed with alder and willow trees. In this first phase we carefully remove this swamp forest. We do this with an eye for soil and ecology: with light machines, on an amphibious base, so that the fragile peat bottom is damaged as little as possible. The forest is then shredded on the spot.
When the trees are removed, the real groundwork comes into view. With our own self-built amphibious machines we dig up the old pet holes again or create new ones. The released peat is used to strengthen
After digging, the site is leveled and sown where necessary. Then nature does the rest. The open water catches light, vibrating peat begins to form, and step by step restores the balance between water, land and life.
Nature restoration is teamwork. Behind each project is a network of real professionals. drivers who know how to work on swampy peat soil, ecologists who monitor the values of nature, and administrators who know the area like the back of their hand.
At Knoop BV we see real cooperation as the key to sustainable results. With our experience, local knowledge and short communication lines, we ensure that we can respond flexibly to the weather, water level or ecological conditions.
In the coming months we will regularly share updates about the progress, the different phases and the people behind the work. Follow us mainly on LinkedIn and Instagram, where we share several things every month.
Part of the organization all her life, but an active part of the (marketing) team for a few years now. Creating value and beautiful content to show why Knoop BV is so valuable for the living environment of people, animals and plants.
We have been able to do many projects in this beautiful area in recent years. Started in November 2002, but were also there from 2007 – 2008. In addition, even smaller projects were done here via Knoop Rental. From 2010 to 2012 we were present in the Wieden and Weerribben for a major nature restoration project. The LIFE II Project. Here we have told you more on our reference page!
Together we are committed to our mission; to provide ingenious solutions for in and around the water.
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