Volunteers busy counting animals and plants

In the summer of 2022, on the initiative of Staatsbosbeheer, Brabants Landschap and five knowledge organizations (RAVON, FLORON, Butterfly Foundation, Badger Working Group and SOVON), the training of volunteers who will regularly count animals and plants in the Maasheggen area in the coming years began.

The censuses should provide insight into how the flora and fauna in the Maasheggen area is developing, as well as how plants and animals respond to different forms of management and the consequences of opting for more nature-friendly agriculture.

Under the direction of FLORON, research is being conducted on the wild plant species in De Maasheggen. In the past year, two field days were organized and extensive practice with the counting method was carried out. In addition, explanations were given about the various grass species found in the area.

RAVON is conducting research on reptiles, amphibians and fish. RAVON has also been out in the field with counting volunteers and the first monitoring has begun.

SOVON trained 12 surveyors of breeding birds at De Maasheggen last year. They are now certified. As part of the training, they, and eight other volunteers, took a number of field trips in the area. The more experienced birders already inventory breeding birds in two areas in the Vortum and Groeningse Bergjes and on the Limosa estate.

Earlier this year, the Butterfly Foundation organized a course evening for fifteen volunteers. The Butterfly Foundation established five counting routes; two of those routes are already being counted.

Another joint meeting for all count volunteers will be held later this year, probably in late November.