Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Mechels Broek witnesses volunteers from Natuurpunt practising willow pollarding activities. The Nature Association depends on volunteer help to manage the Mechels Broek nature reserve, where birds and amphibians make their homes.
The staff at Natuurpunt conduct pruning maintenance on willow trees within the important Mechels Broek nature reserve situated close to Mechelen. The nature reserve known as Mechels Broek contains wet grasslands alongside pollard willows and forest patches while hosting a wide range of bird species together with amphibians that include the great crested newt. Pruning work at these trees fulfils two important functions: maintaining tree health and providing suitable habitats for different animals.
“The Mechels Broek is one of the largest nature reserves near Mechelen”,
Says Jorn Van de Velde of Natuurpunt Mechelen.
“It is dozens of hectares of mainly wet grasslands, pollard willows and a few patches of forest. Many bird species come here to look for food and rest, and the great crested newt is also at home here. Many people from Mechelen like to come here for a walk.”
Natuurpunt is calling on volunteers to carry out some of the work, such as pollarding the pollard willows today.
“That is necessary to ensure that they do not collapse under the weight of their own branches,”
Van de Velde explains.
“By properly maintaining these trees, they live longer. It also creates nesting places for many different animal species, such as barn owls and bats. With the branches that we have pruned, we are building a branch wall. Amphibians and mice can then shelter there, and smaller birds can also make their nests there.”
Filip is one of the volunteers who is lending a hand today.
“As a child, I also came here to help in the area, and that has remained. I am the knotter today.”
Luc is also coming to help.
“I am retired and would like to fill my days usefully. My job is to sort the pruned branches, which we will then use as a screen, which forms a separation between the pond and the meadow. The animals can find peace there during the breeding season.”
Natuurpunt regularly calls on volunteers to help manage various nature reserves. This reduces the costs of management.
“It is also just nice to bring people together around nature and work together on nature restoration”,
concludes Van de Velde.
What is the history of conservation efforts in Mechels Broek?
Mechels Broek operates as one of the biggest nature reserves around Mechelen to support biodiversity through its combination of wet grasslands, pollard willows, and forested areas.
The region historically drew numerous bird species and amphibians, particularly the great crested newt, which makes it an essential ecological zone. Natuurpunt guides the reserve management through its extensive network of dedicated volunteers who work to preserve sustainability and preserve the reserve’s healthy condition. Traditional pruning of pollard willows extends both the trees’ life span and provides valuable habitats that attract barn owls along with bats.
