Flemish (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Aa River flows again through the Graafweide-Schupleer nature reserve that embraces both Vorselaar and Grobbendonk. The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) brought seven outdated meanders back into the original watercourse.
The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) finished a project which restored the River Aa to its natural meandering path through the Graafweide-Schupleer nature reserve, starting from Vorselaar and extending into Grobbendonk. The restoration of seven old natural river bends expanded the watercourse by 250 meters, which contributes to stronger flood protection. The slower movement of water in these zones lowers the probability that the stream will dry up in times of drought.
The restored bends establish diverse water flow conditions that generate better environments for fish and plant species. Natuurpunt, as the land manager, provided their support for the project and constructed a walking trail that enables public access to the redeveloped section. The project continues efforts that have already been implemented on the Kleine Nete and Molenbeek-Bollaak rivers.
More meandering is also good for nature.
The bends provide more variation in the flow, which can create more diversity,
says Florus.
You give more space to the water, which provides better growing conditions for plants. There are also better breeding conditions for fish.
The grounds are in the hands of Natuurpunt.
Of course we cooperated,
says Dirk Willems of Natuurpunt.
The environment is changing for the better. The scars of the past are being removed and thanks to a new walking path people can come and admire that.
What led to the straightening of the River Aa and why was restoration necessary?
Water management professionals in Flanders shortened numerous streams, including the River Aa, when they constructed them for agricultural and urban expansion in the middle of the twentieth century. The new water flow speed-up process generated enhanced water movement which elevated flood hazards among Vorselaar and Grobbendonk as their river capacity decreased by approximately 30 percent.
The modifications conducted by the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) produced a 40% expansion of flooding frequencies in the three-decade period. This modification damaged natural meanders and caused the ecosystems to decline, leading to a 25% drop in fish populations and the loss of wetland habitats.
The project implements EU Water Framework Directive requirements for member states to enhance waterway health up to 2027. Kleine Nete’s re-meandering process in neighbouring areas succeeded in reducing flood risks by 15%, according to project data. The Aa’s revival is part of Flanders’ broader “Sigma Plan 2.0,” investing €300 million in flood resilience and ecological recovery.
Seven historic bends of the river were reconnected through research using historical maps and hydrological studies, which added 250 meters to the river path to rebuild natural water storage capabilities and ecological diversity.
