Start of Flemish dune restoration in De Panne

There are many unique types of nature in the Flemish coastal dunes. These are shifting dunes or species-rich dune grasslands, each with its own range of typical fauna and flora. Think of the natterjack toad, different types of butterflies or various types of orchids. This unique dune nature is under strong pressure from invasive usury plants such as wrinkle rose, mahogany or American bird cherry.

The southern plants often look beautiful, but their result is not. These species expand naturally. They often come from private gardens or public parks near the dunes. In this way, the plants spread further in the wild. The dumping of garden waste in nature can also be a cause.

The LIFE DUNIAS project must ensure that the usurious plants disappear and thus make room for native species. For example, about 50 hectares of plants will disappear in the next five years. Immediately after the excavation, the workers sieve the plants on site, so that nature can immediately recover. In addition to the work itself, there will also be a campaign to raise awareness among garden centers and garden contractors. In order to get the work underway, committed young people and organizations will observe the existing usury plants on a ‘bioblitz’ in order to map them even better.