Activities Brabantse Wal - Stoppelbergen and Wildernissen
Staatsbosbeheer will start timber harvesting in Stoppelbergen the first week of February. The aim of the work is to create a resilient and future-proof forest. Some recreational routes located in the area will be diverted during the works. In the area, diversions will be signposted. The work is expected to take about three weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Diversions routes
In the woods where work is being carried out, there are various walking, bridle and mountain bike routes. To ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the woods safely during the work, some routes will be rerouted. The forest paths may be temporarily less passable during and after the work. After the work is completed, they will be restored as soon as possible. The works will be indicated in the forest with signs and/or ribbons so that visitors are not surprised by the machines.
Footpaths: walking route squirrel will be temporarily more difficult to access as a result. So be attentive to works and give space to other recreationists.
MTB loops: diversion on the green (Stoppelbergen) and purple (Wildernissen) loop.
Equestrian route: temporary diversion via footpath.
Sustainable forest management
Before harvesting, the forester makes a careful selection of trees that are of great value for the development of the forest. Competing trees standing nearby are given a so-called 'blaze'. Trees along roads or paths can also be 'bleached' for safety reasons. A 'blaze' is an orange dot, which shows the sawyer that the tree may be harvested. The machines drive along set paths to minimise damage to the forest floor. The logs are taken from the forest and marketed under the label Hollandshout. Side branches and the tops of trees remain in the forest. Soil fauna and fungi break them down into raw materials that plants then use to grow again. The Forestry Commission never harvests more than grows, so forest remains forest. Variation in time and space' ensures that there is always enough habitat for the forest dwellers. Before working, the forester checks the forest for the presence of special nests and cavities, such as ant nests, woodpecker holes and birds of prey nests. Special elements are clearly marked in the terrain so that they are not damaged during harvesting.
Variation in the woods
Harvesting creates open spaces in the forest where light falls on the ground. This allows seeds to germinate; this is called natural rejuvenation. From its history, the Brabantse Wal has many production forests, which were planted in the last century. At that time, large quantities of wood were needed, for mining among other things. To produce wood quickly, large areas were planted with rows of trees of the same species. Due to the lack of variety, these forests have low biodiversity and are more susceptible to diseases, pests, drought and storms. To make the forest more resilient, variety is needed. Therefore, in addition to natural rejuvenation, hardwoods are planted. Creating as much variety in species and ages as possible will create a future-proof and resilient forest, benefiting many different animal species and visitors.
