Dommeldal - Transboundery habitat restoration in the valley of the Dommel

The long term project objective was to establish an ecological corridor between the heath habitats of the Hoge Kempen (Belgium) and the heath habitats in North Brabant (the Netherlands) by the restoring habitats along the valley and thus creating a network of stepping stones for species migration. The immediate project objectives were to expand and increase the quality of the priority habitats "Calcareous fens with great fen-sedge (Cladium mariscus)" and "Alluvial forests with black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior)". Furthermore, the project aimed to expand the breeding habitats and to carry out large-scale restoration of a complex of fens, heaths and inland dunes with transition mires and quaking bogs. Furthermore, the project focused on restoring a type of grasslands that is very specific for the region. The restoration and establishment of trails and observation posts for visitors was also a part of the project to ensure local involvement and acceptance and to reduce the disturbance of nesting bird species. Local farmers and volunteers associated with the beneficiary are planned to be involved in the management of the area after the completion of the project.