Great news from the field: Natuurpunt, one of our valued partners in the BUFFER+ project, has officially launched the first restoration works in the Molse Nete, a subregion of the beautiful Grote Netewoud. This restoration is part of our Interreg BUFFER+ project.
The restoration begins with the removal of non-native materials left behind from the recreational developments of the 1960s and ’70s, when the valley was reshaped with artificial ponds and raised ground levels. These changes caused drainage and led to the decline of valuable peat-forming ecosystems.
Now, those past interventions are being undone. Excavation works will restore the original ground level and block outdated drainage systems, creating the right conditions for peatland to recover. By raising the local water table, we help bring back the natural wetness that defines a healthy peat ecosystem—supporting biodiversity and reactivating crucial natural processes.
This effort not only restores nature but also strengthens climate resilience. Peatlands act as natural buffers that store carbon, retain water, and protect against extreme weather impacts.
Read the original article from Natuurpunt (in Dutch) here.
Header photo made by Wannes Maebe.