What are the objectives and approach of LIFE CrossBorderBog?
The objectives of the LIFE CrossBorderBog project are the conservation and restoration of a so-called “living raised bog” in the Dutch Natura 2000 site Aamsveen (144 ha) and the Hündfelder Moor (266 ha) in Germany. This area is part of the German Natura 2000 site Amtsvenn – Hündfelder Moor (947 ha) and is also designated as a protected area under the EU Birds Directive.
In simple terms, raised bogs consist of layers of living and dead (piled up remains of) plants and are fed exclusively by rainwater. In practice, it is mainly peat mosses that thrive in this acidic environment. As long as these layers remain wet, the bog grows very slowly, about one millimetre a year. A stable water level is therefore essential for the health of the raised bog.
Aamsveen and Hündfelder Moor are currently artificially separated from each other by a deep border ditch. As a result, the water balance does not function properly and water flows out of the raised bog. At present, the Aamsveen – Hündfelder Moor raised bog area largely comprises dried-up raised bog. Its chances of regeneration are good. There is also a small bog core near the German-Dutch border with ‘living raised bog’ (habitat type LRT 7110), i.e. raised bog that is still growing.
The overall objective of LIFE CrossBorderBog is to create living raised bogs in the Natura 2000 areas of Aamsveen and Hündfelder Moor. In doing so, we are also protecting and creating habitats for typical raised bog animal species such as the crane, Arctic emerald dragonfly, raised bog mosaic dragonfly, European tree frog, adder, common lizard (also known as bog lizard), common snipe and golden plover.
Another benefit of the project is that living raised bogs act as natural CO2 reservoirs. This is not the case with drying up raised bogs, as they release stored CO2. In this way, LIFE CrossBorderBog is also helping to combat the consequences of climate change.
Because raised bogs grow so slowly, it is inevitable that we will only achieve the project objective in the distant future, i.e. long after LIFE CrossBorderBog has ended.
During the project period, we are working on these four specific objectives:
LIFE CrossBorderBog is, as the name suggests, a cross-border project. The raised bog areas of Aamsveen in the Netherlands and Hündfelder Moor in Germany form a common (eco-)hydrological system. Therefore, “cross-border” co-operation is necessary.
Currently, the Aamsveen and the Hündfelder Moor are hydrologically separated from each other by an artificial drainage, a deep ditch along the border. One important measure is the removal of this drainage ditch. This will stop the biggest leak in the system. We are also constructing so-called compartments on both sides of the border using dams in the moor. These make it possible to retain rainwater and regulate the water level.
‘The area is best compared to a sieve. It has holes on all sides. If they are not all sealed, with a bit of luck it will be possible to retain a little more water, but not enough to allow raised bog to grow. We really need to work on this together.’
LIFE CrossBorderBog means that the Aamsveen – Hündfelder Moor cross-border raised bog area will become significantly wetter in the long term. Of course, because these are exactly the conditions that living raised bogs need.
The higher water level will not only have an impact on nature in the area. The hiking routes will also change. Among other things, the current border path, which runs along the German border on Dutch territory, will disappear “in the raised bog”. The accessibility of the viewing hut on the Birkhahnweg and the birdwatching hut in the Aamsveen are still being assessed.
Hiking trails may be closed while the work is being carried out. We are also using these routes to deliver the clay and bog soil required for the construction of the compartments and the dams. Road plates have been laid to protect the subsoil. Large lorries drive in and out of the area. These lorries also travel on the roads around Aamsveen and Hündfelder Moor. We are trying to organise the construction traffic as efficiently as possible, but there may be temporary disruptions in places.
All over Europe, exceptional, valuable nature is being protected and restored. This is why there is a lively exchange of knowledge and experience between LIFE CrossBorderBog and other European restoration projects. One example of this is the exchange of information on raised bog restoration measures with other raised bog areas in the Netherlands, Germany and other countries.
We are organising two multi-day workshops in 2024 and 2025 for managers of other raised bog areas and local administrations to share our knowledge and experience.
We are developing a Best Practice Manual – a handbook of best practice. In it, we build on existing knowledge about raised bog restoration and also contribute our own experience, for example in the area of cross-border co-operation.
For the public, we organise educational offers and activities tailored to target groups, such as presentations and excursions. We pay particular attention to school children, students and volunteers (in the field of ecology).
LIFE CrossBorderBog works with the University of Münster in the area of greenhouse gas emissions monitoring.
Are you interested in co-operating with LIFE CrossBorderBog? Then please contact us >>