Management excursion in the Boelaremeersen

De Boelaremeersen in Geraardsbergen consists of a mosaic of wet roughs, reed beds, valley groves, and flower-rich meadows and is an ideal biotope for various bird species such as water rail, bluethroat, and reed bunting. The ditches, trenches, and cattle drinking pools form a suitable habitat for many dragonflies, toads, and frogs. Water violet blooms spectacularly there and the stork set foot on the ground there for the first time in 2016. However, one of the rarest species is the Desmoulin's whorl snail, which is also protected in Europe. The nature reserve is now bursting with life, but this was not always the case. In the middle of the last century, many plots in the Boelaremeersen were planted with poplars to supply wood for the match industry in Geraardsbergen. When reed beds are overshadowed, the reeds deteriorate visibly and the typical reed birds also disappear. Goodbye biodiversity. Fortunately, the match factories have since disappeared and Natuurpunt bought a large part of the valley to restore nature. Most poplars were cut down and cleared, creating a particularly varied landscape with species that really belong there. Conservator Johnny takes you through the nature reserve and explains which management measures Natuurpunt is currently carrying out to maintain this species richness. Don't forget your high boots!