Interview with forester Erik de Jonge (Brabants Landschap)
Erik de Jonge is forest ranger with Brabants Landschap on the Brabantse Wal. This includes the areas Markiezaat, the Hoogerwaardpolder, the Zurenhoek and the Cruisland creeks, as well as estates such as Mattemburgh, Boslust, Zoomland and Buitenlust. As part of the master planning process around the National Park, we asked him some questions.
Photo ยฉEddie Mol
What is involved in the nature management of this area?
Our work comprises 3 main tasks: site management, education and enforcement. Every day, I constantly switch between those 3 themes. Site management involves mowing and pruning, logging and trading, grazing and herd management, maintenance, recreational facilities and much more. Education is important to inform and instil a love of nature and habitat in Brabanders, especially the youth. We work together with Stichting Natuurpodium which reaches thousands of school children a year, there is a visitor centre and numerous excursions and events. Much of this work is done by volunteers. Enforcement is important to protect nature and tranquillity in the areas. We deal with violation of opening rules but also poaching, hemp cultivation and waste dumping. Furthermore, there is a lot of consultation and cooperation with external parties, we naturally do monitoring and there are always some nature restoration projects running.
What makes this area special to you?
It's the Netherlands in a nutshell. We have dry heath and drifting sands, rich deciduous forests and vast coniferous forests, marshland, a large lake, polders, creeks, the variety is amazing! Also very special is that in the transition from Markiezaat to Mattemburgh most species of breeding birds in the Netherlands breed.
How is this area connected to other areas?
For waterbirds, the exchange between the Markiezaat and the Zeeland delta is very important. Bald eagles and spoonbills often penoon towards Oosterschelde and Saeftinghe. The gulls breeding in the Markiezaat forage daily in Antwerp. Connectivity to other large nature reserves in Brabant and Flanders could be better, though. Motorways A4, A58 and the HSL are major obstacles to species exchange.
What opportunities do you think a National Park offers?
The recreational zoning could perhaps be done better. I also think that connecting key areas is more in the picture for the benefit of ecology. Addressing necessary funds could perhaps be done better if a National Park is formed.
Do you have questions about the candidacy of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide to become a National Park? Or ideas/suggestions on opportunities and collaborations for the master plan? We would love to hear it! Send an e-mail to grenspark.
Or go to www.grensparkkalmthoutseheide.com/en/kandidaat_nationaal_park for more information, frequently asked questions and answers.