VolkerWessels, FSC Netherlands and Union of Forest Groups complete measures for future-proof forest in municipality of Rheden
On Thursday 2 June, VolkerWessels, FSC Netherlands and the Union of Forest Groups, together with the municipality of Rheden, unveiled a climate sign in the forest along the Rozendaalse Veld heathland. The sign at the entrance and various QR codes along the route inform visitors about measures that have been taken in the forest in the context of climate smart forest management, and the expected impact of this.
The climate measures in the forest of the municipality of Rheden stem from a collaboration that VolkerWessels entered into in 2019 with FSC Nederland and the Union of Forest Groups, with the aim of future-proofing three forests in the Netherlands. This is because the forests in the Netherlands are suffering greatly from increasing drought, additional (insect) pests and nitrogen precipitation, and need to be made more resilient to the effects of climate change.
1,600 trees and shrubs
Climate adaptive measures have therefore been taken at various places in the forest to make the forest healthier, more resilient and future-proof, to increase biodiversity and to provide more CO2 storage. Examples of these measures include promoting natural rejuvenation, underplanting with litter-enhancing tree species and planting species that are more resistant to climate change, such as the ratchet poplar. A total of 1,600 trees and shrubs were planted. VolkerWessels companies KWS, Van Hattum and Blankevoort and BMB development also contributed to making these measures possible. It is expected that the measures will provide 150 tons of additional CO2 storage over a period of 30 years.
Similar measures were already completed last year at Landgoed Meuleman in Overijssel. The measures in the third forest are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Emission-free 2030
The cooperation with FSC Netherlands and the Union of Forest Groups fits in with VolkerWessels' climate program 'Emission-free 2030'. This program focuses on reducing greenhouse gases to prevent global warming, while countering the negative effects of the greenhouse effect.
