Water stream Aanschotse Beemden
It is a fact that our climate is becoming increasingly extreme. The heavy rain showers cause a lot of flooding. The playgrounds have been regularly flooded since October and the high water level in the stream creates a wet walking environment and even washes away a bridge.
We received an email from a local resident who was concerned about the high water level of the stream and flooding in the playgrounds.
We decided to submit the question about the Aanschotse Beemden to the Natural Areas Manager (Aanschotse Beemden) and received the following answer:
“During the period when trees are without leaves (almost the entire wet period so far) they hardly suffer from wet soil. However, it largely depends on the species how it deals with this. Willow, birch and poplar can withstand this better than, for example, oak or cherry. So far not much has happened to the trees, but it is hoped that it will become drier soon. Where this continues, trees will die. If this is not massive but more incidental, it is not so bad, we leave the dead trees standing or lying where possible, they have a lot of value for nature (Look up: dead wood lives) and are automatically replaced by a species that is better can withstand the conditions at that location. Plants and animals adapt to the circumstances. This is sometimes difficult for us humans to accept, but because of the changing climate we will have to. If we take measures now to make it drier, we may regret it again this summer or next due to desiccation.
The weir is managed by the water board. The level remains constant because the weir itself regulates the level. Only when the water supply is very high, more water simply cannot pass through the weir and the level rises higher than intended.
The playgrounds
Blixembosch stands on a loam layer, which means the ground has become saturated after all this rain. According to municipal management, there is (yet) no money to tackle this. We have asked that this water problem be taken into account and solved when renewing or constructing playgrounds.
The Topaz Park
We have been discussing with the municipality for some time how we can make the paths in the Topaas Park weed-free and tidy again. Plan is as follows. First of all, the order was given to remove all the weeds. Also in the field where the climbing frame is located. After this, we will re-examine what the paths look like, what the quality is and whether follow-up action is necessary. Nothing done at the beginning of June!!
It remains our attention!
Green strip Opal
A few months ago, a large strip of tiles was removed from the Opaal along the entire Aanschotpark and an unpaved strip was created. This was sown by a landscaping company with a herb mixture. We currently only see weeds and grass and have submitted this to the area coordinator who in turn has made internal inquiries, see the answer below:
“The design took accessibility into account. In this design we have chosen to create the green strip as much as possible on the side of the trees, so that the tree will only benefit from this in terms of rooting.
It may be true that people think that the section is not yet finished because no plants have been planted, but this will not happen anymore, because we have sown the sections with a flower/herb mixture EPR1 from Cruydthoek. There won’t be much color visible yet.
It is expected that in a few months (email dated March 29) this will give a better picture, with the herbs/flowers being given the opportunity to develop.