Three steps to forest vitality: How restoration is taking root in the Netherlands
Restoration Story by SUPERB Dutch demo
In the Southern Netherlands, forest revitalization is underway in Kronenbergse Bos, where forest experts are reversing decades of soil degradation. In this region, many forests were planted around the year 1900 on nutrient-poor sandy soils, primarily with Scots pine for the mining industry. Today, they face acidification, drought, and climate extremes, weakening forest resilience and biodiversity.
As part of the SUPERB project, Bosgroep Zuid Nederland is taking the following steps to restore forest ecosystem and support it in adapting to changing climate conditions:
Water system recovery
Water systems are being restored to counter long-term soil drying, one of the major threats to forest vitality in this sandy, drought-prone area.
Tree species diversification
Thousands of rich-litter tree species – such as sweet cherry, linden, hazel, and Norway maple – were planted. Their easily decomposable leaves improve soil fertility and promote biodiversity.
Soil restoration
Over 60 hectares of finely ground rock dust were spread to replenish depleted minerals, restoring acidified and dried-out soils.
Many newly planted trees have already survived their first dry summer, marking a hopeful sign for this forest’s resilient future.
Watch the video from the demo site to see the restoration work up close
