Farmers and governments in the Drenthe and Groningen Veenkoloniën can improve the biodiversity in the area without too much effort. By taking relatively simple measures, a much better habitat for plants and animals can be created than is currently possible.
“In this place you see how easy it is to do something for biodiversity.” Ecologist Raymond Klaassen of the University of Groningen points to a seemingly normal canal between the farmlands along the Koedijksweg. Reeds along the banks rustle in the wind and there is a thin layer of ice on the surface of the water.
Yet, according to him, this place between Buinen and Drouwenerveen proves that it is not at all difficult to get animal and plant species back to the Veenkoloniën. “Here they only mow along one side of the water. On the other side a kind of bush remains, where all kinds of insects find a place to hibernate.”
Klaassen was just about to explain why this is good for other animals and for the farmers, when he suddenly grabs his binoculars. “Wait a minute, because I see something really special. There are thirteen, fourteen, fifteen gray buntings flying there!”, he shouts, while a flock of birds the size of a sparrow flies by.
When they have disappeared into the undergrowth, Klaassen explains his enthusiasm. The corn bunting is seriously endangered and is on the bird protection red list. “Grey buntings used to be everywhere here, but you hardly find them anymore for decades. This is the first time I see them in Drenthe.”
(Text continues below the photos)