The municipality of Son en Breugel and Bosgroep Zuid need to take acute action at parts of the forest to keep it safe for visitors. The winter and spring of 2023-2024 were extremely wet, causing considerable damage to the forests of Son en Breugel (and several places in the Netherlands). Where the forest has been struggling with drought for years, some areas were suddenly flooded for months. Many tree species cannot withstand this change, resulting in large-scale tree mortality. This is an example of extreme weather becoming more common: wet winters and dry summers. Intervention for safety is short-term. This is going to look empty and with trees lying on the ground. This is needed now and best for biodiversity. When planting new trees, trees will be chosen that can better withstand the extreme weather and thus future-proof.

Why intervention is necessary?

The forest must remain safe for everyone. In areas where there are many dead trees, we will make adjustments. Trees that pose an immediate danger to visitors will be cut down. However, this does not mean that nature is not allowed to take its course. Some of the trees will remain, as dead wood to provide shelter for all kinds of animal and plant species. This will boost biodiversity in the forest. In addition, new trees will be planted that will be better able to withstand dry summers and wet winters in the future.

What are we going to do?

The work is short-term. The felling will take place before the next wet winter to minimize soil damage. Then the new trees will be planted. Weather permitting, this will be this winter. Some of the young trees will be protected with a fence so that deer will not eat them. This increases their chance of growing well.

Where do we work?

The work is mainly north of Old Lake. A for a smaller part in the south, at the grasslands along the Wilhelmina Canal. During the execution, some paths are temporarily less accessible. This may cause inconvenience. Please understand this. After completion of the work the paths will be restored as soon as possible.

Want to know more?

Contact Willem Aarts of Bosgroep Zuid Nederland at w.aarts@bosgroepen.nl or call 040 206 6360. Look here for more information.