Although it has rained for a number of days, the consequences of the drought on the Strabrechtse Heide are still clearly visible.
The weeks of drought and high temperatures have severely affected parts of the heathland. Many heather plants, but also trees and shrubs have suffered from the heat. The heather is brown in many places instead of purple. ‘Especially plants that are higher, further from the groundwater, have a hard time. It is difficult to say how long it takes for heath to be restored here. It can take a year, but also longer, “says Erik Schram from Staatsbosbeheer.
Animals and insects also have a hard time. Schram: ‘Insects normally end up on the flowering heath for food, but many plants have dried up. It is not easy for animals such as roe deer, foxes, rabbits and badgers. The water level in fens had dropped considerably in recent weeks. ‘
Staatsbosbeheer also takes measures to make it easier for animals and young trees. For example, additional water containers have been set up for the Highland cattle. Also, 3500 trees that were planned in the spring received extra water.
In total, the Strabrechtse Heide is 1850 hectares. That’s about the size of 3500 football fields.
Source: Studio040
