Work on forest area West (New heath).

Work has begun in Forest Area West to improve forest quality and biodiversity. It concerns the part of the forest south of the N620 and east of Hoberglaan. The development involves restoring water management, developing natural forest and planting climate-resistant tree species. We have received Common Agricultural Policy (CAP ) subsidies for this. With this forest revitalization, the municipality is taking an important step towards a resilient, climate-resistant and biodiverse forest in Son en Breugel. The work will last until December 2027 and will be in stages and mainly during the winter months.

Municipal forests suffer from acidification due to nitrogen emissions and mineral leaching. As a result, the soil is poor in nutrients and does not retain moisture as well. Rainwater is also drained too quickly through ditches and ditches, not allowing it to sink sufficiently into the soil. As a result, groundwater does not replenish properly and the forest floor dries out quickly. This makes the forests vulnerable to drought, diseases and pests. Biodiversity is also low due to the presence of many of the same type of trees and plants. 

Work 

The Forest Group South has begun implementation which consists of:

  • Stone meal spreading: November - December 2025
    During this period, stone meal is spread on the forest. This feeds the soil and counteracts acidification. Fungi and small soil life get more nutrients, making the cycle stronger.
  • Thinning and preparation for planting: November 2025 - January 2026
    A thinning will take place in preparation for planting. This will take 2-3 months. During this process, trees are selectively removed to make room for new plantings and to give existing trees with potential more room to grow. In this way, the forest can develop better and future trees can grow into strong specimens.
  • Study hydrological measures: March - June 2026
  • Implementation of hydrological measures: July - October 2026
    This involves sealing ditches and ditches so that rainwater remains in the forest floor longer.
  • Planting climate-resilient tree species: mid-2027
    Tree species more resistant to climate change will be planted.
Trees with orange dot will be removed

Field Trip: Hydrological Work in the West Forest Area 

This fall, we will be carrying out hydrological measures in the West Forest Area. The goal of this work is to improve the water management—the hydrology—in the forest area. By damming up ditches and making them shallower, we ensure that water remains in the area longer. In this way, we make the forest more resilient to dry periods and strengthen the natural environment.

The forest will remain open to visitors as usual during the work. Want to know more? On Sunday, August 23, we’re organizing a field trip where we’ll explore the forest and take a look at the plans. Staff from both the municipality of Son en Breugel and Bosgroep Zuid Nederland will be present during the field trip to provide explanations and answer questions. We’ll depart at 10:00 a.m. from the carpool lot on Dutmellapad; no registration is required. 

Hydrological Studies

The West Forest Area consists of higher and lower elevations. Long ago, the lower areas were too wet for forestry. For this reason, a system of ditches was constructed to drain the area. Today, groundwater levels are much lower than they used to be, and due to increasingly long periods of heat and drought, the forest is suffering from drought. Trees are less healthy and sometimes even die. That is why we want to fill in the old system of ditches, so that rainwater is retained in the area for longer. 

We bring in sand and loam to fill in the ditches. We build dams in various places and raise the bottom of the ditches. Many ditches will remain visible, but water can only flow away when the water level gets really high, and rainwater is given the chance to seep into the forest floor. This way, we make the forest more resilient to dry periods and give nature a better chance to thrive. 

During the work, trucks and excavators will be present in the forest. The forest will remain accessible during the work. However, some trails may be temporarily closed. Therefore, please pay close attention to the signs and keep a safe distance from the work site. 

More info website Forest Group