Special insight into the oldest forest in the Netherlands thanks to sixty years of research

Long-term research into ground beetles shows that the beetle population in the Mantingerbos has remained stable over the past sixty years. Researchers from the Willem Beijerinck Biological Station will present the results to deputy Henk Jumelet and area manager Eric Menkveld of Natuurmonumenten.

They conclude that the diversity of species has not decreased, but that the composition has changed. Heather species and moisture-loving species declined. Some of the species in the forest, such as the mottled murmur, also decreased, but others increased, sometimes to a remarkable extent, such as the blue-black schallebiter.

primeval forest

The Mantingerbos is a Natura2000 area that consists of old forests and stream valley grasslands surrounded by hedgerows and canals. As far as researchers can tell, the forest has been there for thousands of years. It is the oldest surviving forest in our country. A specific flora and fauna has developed in this possible primeval forest, including the characteristic ground beetle species. Researchers have been studying the beetles using bottom traps since 1959. Studies with such a long duration are very scarce worldwide.

Surroundings

The research does not provide an explanation for the changes, but the scientists expect that the desiccation of the forest is an important cause. The environment has changed drastically over the past sixty years. Land consolidation and an efficiently designed agricultural landscape have led to desiccation that affects the nature reserve. The disappearance of heathland from the area has probably influenced the disappearance of heath species.

To survive

The province of Drenthe is examining the possibilities for improving the water management of the Mantingerbos so that the forest can recover and the flora and fauna, including ground beetle species, can be preserved. “The Mantingerbos is a part of Drenthe to be proud of. Thanks to this research, we get a unique insight into the state of our nature,” says deputy Henk Jumelet. “We would like to preserve this primeval forest and we have been working on this for years together with our nature partners. We continue to work hard to counteract the effects of desiccation in this forest.”

In this broadcast from ROG! shows forester Tineke Bouwmeester the Mantingerbos.

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