The reason for initiating the ecohydrological study are the stability problems in the Kikbeek pond, which currently prevent water level rises aimed at achieving the conservation objectives. The subject of the ecohydrological study is to investigate the effects of higher pond levels (than the current ones) in the Kikbeek quarry on the surrounding groundwater-dependent vegetation. Additionally, which supplementary measures for rewetting in the Natura 2000 site of Mechelse Heide, Ziepbeek Valley, Neerharerheide, and Asbeek are necessary to achieve a climate-resilient system will be examined. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact on groundwater levels and the ecological boundary conditions through water level rises of the Kikbeek pond and through hydrological restoration measures in the Mechelse Heide, Ziepbeek, Neerharerheide, and Asbeek. This should lead to maximizing the restoration and maintenance of the groundwater-dependent vegetations. The objective is to achieve climate-resilient system restoration without jeopardizing critical infrastructure (such as the E314 highway) and the long-term stability of the Berg quarry and the Kikbeek pond. The preparation of hydrological and ecological model predictions should serve to explore scenarios for water level rises in the Kikbeek pond and to develop and evaluate the development of wet nature in the Natura 2000 site of the Mechelse Heide.
LOT-0001
1
ANB-GI-INRO-2026-193 - 1.
The reason for initiating the ecohydrological study are the stability problems in the Kikbeek pond, which currently prevent water level rises aimed at achieving the conservation objectives. The subject of the ecohydrological study is to investigate the effects of higher pond levels (than the current ones) in the Kikbeek quarry on the surrounding groundwater-dependent vegetation. Additionally, which supplementary measures for rewetting in the Natura 2000 site of Mechelse Heide, Ziepbeek Valley, Neerharerheide, and Asbeek are necessary to achieve a climate-resilient system will be examined. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact on groundwater levels and the ecological boundary conditions through water level rises of the Kikbeek pond and through hydrological restoration measures in the Mechelse Heide, Ziepbeek, Neerharerheide, and Asbeek. This should lead to maximizing the restoration and maintenance of the groundwater-dependent vegetations. The objective is to achieve climate-resilient system restoration without jeopardizing critical infrastructure (such as the E314 highway) and the long-term stability of the Berg quarry and the Kikbeek pond. The preparation of hydrological and ecological model predictions should serve to explore scenarios for water level rises in the Kikbeek pond and to develop and evaluate the development of wet nature in the Natura 2000 site of the Mechelse Heide.