This is why mowing is done in the Bentwoud

The grassland in the Bentwoud is being mowed. Many people wonder why the flowery landscape has to be mowed flat again. We will contact Staatsbosbeheer.

Do you remember that Oosterheem used to consist only of arable farming: meadows full of Brussels sprouts, onions and other vegetables. The land was intensively fertilized to allow the crops to grow as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Fast growers are having a great time

This has made this already nutritious clay soil even richer in nutrients. This seems favorable but is not so good for nature there. The fast-growing field thistles, knight sorrel, comfrey, perennial ryegrass and the common hogweed are having a great time here. They only grow so fast and massively that there is no more room for other herbaceous plants. Despite the fact that the above-mentioned species are also absolutely valuable in the ecosystem, they do form a fairly monotonous and species-poor grassland.

More chance to grow

Staatsbosbeheer wants to obtain the greatest possible diversity of herbs and insects. That is why it is necessary to mow. It is therefore important for a higher biodiversity that the soil becomes less nutrient-poor. That is why they mow the grass every year, and then have it disposed of. For example, other plants such as knapweed, various clovers, wild carrots, ragwort, whole leaves, various lathyrus species and orchids have a greater chance of growing.

The bugs and the bees

The critters and bees also have more to their liking. In 2015, for example, 38 different species of wild bees were counted in the Bentwoud. In 2021 there were already 61! Not all pieces go off at once, but a small part each time. This will provide plenty of shelter for birds such as pheasant and mammals such as hare and roe deer. In addition, herb-rich corners remain in various places. This is to ensure that insects still have food and breeding places and there is enough food for birds such as the stonechat and the linnet.

Mowing starts in August due to the dry weather, which is ideal for mowing. The work will take three weeks.