Silt removal works in Moerken fen

For many years, a gull colony fed on the Hoge Maai landfill during the day and slept on the Moerken fens at night, making the soil rich in nutrients. The rubbish dump is now covered and the gulls have disappeared, but the rich silt is slowly causing the fen to grow dense with pitrus.

To return the fen to an open, nutrient-poor ecosystem, the Agency for Nature and Forests will start management works from mid-September:

• Removal of silt and pitrus: about 4,000 m² of pitrus and silt will be removed to keep the fen open.

• Improving the bank for amphibians: The northern bank will be excavated at an angle to allow easier access for amphibians.

• Restoring wet heath vegetation: From the fens, wide strips are being ploughed off to give the original vegetation another chance.

Part of Parking Zuid will temporarily be used as a transhipment area. The rest of the car park will remain accessible to visitors, but there will temporarily be some more transport in the area. There are also currently driving slabs to support traffic.

The works will be carried out in several phases and will run until November.

Questions or more information? Mail to antwerpsekempen.anb@vlaanderen.be.