Nature restoration Kleine Meer - walking paths Grebe and Rabbit closed

At the beginning of the last century, frantic efforts were made to dewater the Kleine Meer near Ossendrecht by digging ditches, trenches and dewatering wells. Due to climate change, nitrogen deposition and rampant exotic species such as shore weed, black-necked grebe and little grebe are finding it increasingly difficult. Natuurmonumenten is starting to restore the original water balance so that more water remains in the Kleine Meer. Exotics will also be combated and polluted silt in the fens removed.

Nature restoration work starts from 28 July
From 28 July, Natuurmonumenten will start work in the Kleine Meer. All ditches, ditches and dewatering wells in and around the Kleine Meer will be closed again. Where these have been dug through in the past, clay and loam layers will be restored. Contaminated silt will be removed to provide a clean habitat. Dense fens will be reopened and cleaned up. Under the banner of the Nature Programme and the subsidy scheme for Natura 2000 areas, the national and provincial governments are helping to restore and strengthen this vulnerable nature area.

Footpaths and car park closed
This period, there will be hard work in the Kleine Meer. Machines will be driven back and forth. To avoid unsafe situations, the Kleine Meer will be closed to visitors from 28 July to March 2026. As a result, footpaths Grebe and Rabbit will not be accessible in this area. The car park at Abdijlaan in Ossendrecht will also be closed. Natuurmonumenten asks our visitors' understanding for this.

Want to know more about the work in the Kleine Meer?
Then visit: Programme Nature: nature restoration on the Brabantse Wal | Natuurmonumenten