Van den Herik and Witteveen+Bos win tender

The implementation of a key component of the Boschplaat Vision has been awarded to Van den Herik-Sliedrecht in collaboration with Witteveen+Bos. The hydraulic engineering firm will carry out a series of unique nature restoration measures to restore the dynamics of the Boschplaat, a Natura 2000 area on the eastern side of Terschelling that holds a European Diploma for Protected Areas.

Awarding the implementation to Van den Herik marks a significant milestone in the Boschplaat program. In this program, Staatsbosbeheer, Rijkswaterstaat, the municipality of Terschelling, and the province of Fryslân are working together to restore and strengthen the Boschplaat. The Wadden Academy serves as an expert advisor for the program.

‍

A nature reserve of global importance

The Boschplaat is a European nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a Dark Sky Park. It is a vital habitat for many unique animal and plant species, such as spoonbills, eider ducks, sea lavender, and glasswort. However, the Boschplaat is under pressure. The construction of a dune dike in the 1930s brought the natural dynamics of sand, sea, and wind in the area to a standstill.

‍

As a result, the Boschplaat is becoming more monotonous: overgrowth and the spread of reeds, creeping willow, and sea couch grass are increasing. At the same time, biodiversity is declining. Without the dynamic processes of drifting sand and sedimentation, the Boschplaat cannot keep pace with sea-level rise, putting it at risk of drowning.

‍

‍

Boschplaat Vision

In 2018, the collaborating parties, in close consultation with island residents, drafted the Boschplaat Vision: a rescue plan for the area. The measures outlined in the vision are intended to make the region future-proof and climate-resilient once again.

‍

There are four program lines. Van den Herik will handle the implementation of the "Dynamics in the Dune Belt" program line, which focuses on creating several openings in the dune dike. Jan Huijbers, Director of Van den Herik, is looking forward to getting to work on Terschelling: "Working for, and especially with, nature gives us energy."

‍

Notches and washover

Program manager Jori Wolf: "Two clusters of notches and one wide opening, known as a washover, will be created in the dune dike." These passages allow wind, water, and sand to reach the salt marsh behind them once again. The Boschplaat needs this dynamic to become more biodiverse and climate-resilient. After these one-off interventions, nature can take over. We are giving natural processes a nudge and the space they need. The effects of these interventions will be monitored so that adjustments can be made if necessary.

‍

Work schedule

A period of preparation will precede the implementation of these measures. Project manager Mark van den Anker: “In the coming period, we will be working with Van den Herik and Witteveen+Bos to further develop the implementation design. This will include involving the sounding board group of islanders, ensuring we make good use of local knowledge of the Boschplaat. We will share the results of our preparations after the summer and at the end of 2026. We will also be applying for the necessary permits. We expect to start work on the Boschplaat after the 2027 breeding season.”

‍