HAbitat Restoration in the WINgevalley: ecological restoration and endangered species recovery in a fragmented landscape

LIFE HARWIN is part of the LIFE sub-programme “Nature and Biodiversity”. The project region suffers from several threats like habitat fragmentation and too small LIFE HARWIN is part of the LIFE sub-programme “Nature and Biodiversity”. In this project we aim for the ecological restoration and quality improvement of 350 ha qualifying habitats along the entire gradient of the Winge Valley: aquatic habitats 3130 (annex species Luronium natans), 3140, 3150; heathland habitats 6230*, 4030, 4010; grassland habitats 6410, 6510; fen habitats 7140, 7230 and forest habitats 9120, 91E0*, 9160. Target locations for the restoration of habitats are consistently chosen adjacent to restore habitat connectivity and attain a favorable habitat size. This is crucial because remaining habitats are mostly small and isolated, characterized by a lot of species loss and not part of a sustainable natural ecosystem anymore. This restoration will also benefit the expansion or (re)colonization of several Annex I species of the Birds Directive and Annex II species of the Habitat Directive.
For achieving this goal, Natuurpunt and ANB, two professional nature conservation managers and the main landowners of the project area will implement the restoration actions. This cooperation is reinforced by the academic input of APM and KU Leuven, both located near the project area, who will bring in their expertise in studying populations confronted with environmental pollution and habitat fragmentation and with restoration of remnant populations through ex-situ cultivation and reintroduction. The partnership thus ensures the valorization in practical applications of environmental science, in defiance of any gap that can exist between academic scientists and professionals and volunteers. Therefore, the expertise of the Dutch umbrella foundation LA, that was founded precisely to bridge the gap between academic institutions and professionals and volunteers, will be indispensable for the goals of this project. The LIFE HARWIN project seeks to implement large-scale restoration in this typical Atlantic valley ecosystem, to tackle the unfavourable and declining condition of its habitats and species.More specifically, the project aims to:restore and improve the ecological quality of habitats of European interest over 350 ha along the Winge Valley, all part of the Natura 2000 site 'Valleien van de Winge en de Motte met valleihellingen'. This will include the purchase of 110 ha of land and involve a variety of aquatic, heathland, grassland, fen and forest habitats; restore remnant populations of key fauna and flora via translocation and reintroduction, using individuals or seeds of local genetic origin, based on the latest scientific findings;identify best practice methods for habitat restoration and species reintroduction via an innovative framework of collaboration between professionals, volunteers and scientists; contribute to the socio-economic potential of the area by improving opportunities for nature-oriented recreation, engaging volunteers and local residents, encouraging citizen-science monitoring and involving local stakeholders; andmake the Winge Valley climate-proof by restoring habitats and the natural hydrology to address flood and drought risks and by quantifying the carbon sequestration of the valley's mires and forests.Expected results: Conservation benefits: the valley will be in a better ecological and conservation condition (recovery of habitats and species) than at the project start, with threats contained and better protection and management in place; Climate mitigation and adaptation benefits: habitat restoration will provide nature-based solutions to mitigate (through carbon reduction and storage) and adapt to (via water infiltration and retention) climate change; Demonstration value: the project team will develop adapted and innovative restoration measures that could be applied elsewhere in similar projects; Incentive value: the project will attract additional funding to implement new restoration initiatives, and also act as a demonstration for other site managers and private landowners; Socio-economic influence: the local community and stakeholders will be more aware of conservation needs, more sympathetic towards nature restoration and benefit from the results.