Activities in the De Kleine Meer nature reserve
In Natura-2000 area De Kleine Meer, work will start from 18 November to restore and strengthen nature. The area is home to rare plant and animal species that are under pressure from factors such as nitrogen, dehydration and the rise of rampant exotic plants. Because of the work, part of the area is closed. In Grenspark Kalmthoutse heide lies the Kleine Meer, with one of the Netherlands' most special fens. This nature reserve has a huge attraction for protected plants and animals that hardly get a chance elsewhere in the area. However, there is a problem; it is rapidly drying out. Important species in the Little Lake nature reserve are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. This is because the state of nature is steadily deteriorating. Because of the protected Natura 2000 status of the nature reserve, Natuurmonumenten can implement additional measures to strengthen nature in the coming period. Under the banner of Programme Nature and the subsidy scheme Natura 2000 areas, the national and provincial governments want to restore and strengthen vulnerable nature areas. The province of North Brabant is doing this at the Kleine Meer together with Natuurmonumenten.
What is going to happen?
In the coming period, Natuurmonumenten will start working in the fens, heaths and forests of the nature reserve. The aim is to better retain water in the fens, connect heathland areas and improve the health of the forests. To this end, the following measures will be implemented:
- Remediation of an old rubbish tip in a former fen;
- Installing or replacing weirs;
- Drainage of dewatering works such as clay pits and ditches that accelerate water drainage within the area;
- Removing vegetation between moorland areas and sods;
- Removing trees and shrubs not native to the area and instead giving space to area-specific shrubs and trees.
What does this mean for visitors?
During the implementation of the works, part of the nature reserve is temporarily not accessible to the public. Due to the restoration measures, the hiking routes 'Fuut' and 'Konijn' will be closed. This closure will start on Monday 18 November and will apply until the work is completed. Completion of the project is in December 2025. For the sake of visitor safety, it is necessary to follow the instructions on site and not to enter closed routes and paths.
Natuurmonumenten and the Province of North Brabant thank visitors for their understanding and cooperation during the works.
For more information
Visitors can visit Natuurmonumenten's website for questions and updates.
Website: www.natuurmonumenten.nl/kleine-meer and nm.nl/programme-nature-Brabantse-Wal
