Water buffering and restoration in raised bog peatland Bargerveen
About this good practice
The area is being developed because it is a Natura 2000 area with the objective of restoring raised bogs. The Forestry Commission is the owner and the municipality of Emmen, the Vechtstromen water board, the province of Drenthe, LTO and local residents are closely involved.
Due to desiccation as a result of low water levels in surface water and the groundwater levels around the area due to agriculture and buildings, the peat layer that gives the area its characteristic character of raised bogs and upper peat grasslands is disappearing.
The desiccation must be stopped, and that can only be done by sealing off the area and ensuring that the precipitation that falls in the area does not disappear or flows away.
By working well together with other authorities, site managers and contractors, a plan was devised that could be implemented quickly. To this end, a development plan had to be drawn up, permits had to be arranged and money had to be made available.
The plan stipulates that a quay would be built around the area and of course material had to be found there, which would be buried and closed at ground level. For this purpose, loam was found that was released elsewhere as waste.
Resources needed
The project costs were approximately 2 million euros and was financed with European funds from PAS Natura 2000 and POP-3 Rural Development and by contributions from the province of Drenthe and the Vechtstromen water board.
The project has started with phase 1 and next year we will start phase 2
Evidence of success
This practice is considered good because from an area process with the local residents who were very suspicious and critical a good solution was reached. The nature area has been well buffered and the homes have received a better groundwater level. The nature restoration has turned out well and further restoration can now take place.
Potential for learning or transfer
Through good cooperation and thinking in advance about the way in which measures should be taken and the purchase of the building materials in advance by Prolander/province of Drenthe, a successful, relatively cheap and guaranteed implementation.
Water is managed in order to rewet and restore the peatlands, enhancing the regional biodiversity.
The practice for the exchange of agricultural land for restoring peatlands or the alternative solution that farmers may have to retain their property and become nature conservators, is very much interesting and is at the heart of ecosystem restoration priority that EU sets.
The work that Drenthe Province is doing with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, citizens etc. is very relevant.
Support of local residents in implementing projects and their understanding of the need and purpose of these actions is vital, such as drought prevention, decreasing CO2 emissions, saving water, supporting peatland biodiversity, etc.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
