P 19 Life between the reeds Hooidammer farmer Jurjen regularly sees deer and hares disappear in the reeds. That’s why he only mows the reeds in August, after which he feeds it to his young animals. “In this way the minerals from the reed ultimately get reabsorbed by the soil via the manure, creating a natural cycle.” Hooidammer farmer Jurjen Water In and around the water there is a lot of life. Ditches that cross the meadows play an important role in water management and biodiversity. Ditches drain excess water and thus prevent floods. Moreover, ditch banks form a natural habitat for all kinds of animals, which feed on snails and insects that live in and around the water. These small water animals are also an important part of the food chain. In the meantime water plants take care of the production of oxygen, which helps to breakdown of pollutants. Cleaning the ditches requires a lot of the farmer’s attention. The peat meadow areas around Henri Willig’s farm are shrinking a little bit every year. Extremely dry summers accelerate this process. Other farming activities like growing corn also accelerates this. That is why we have chosen for 100% permanent grassland. To slow down subsidence, we structurally raise the water level in our ditches vs. general polder level. Natural balance in and around the water Hooidammer farmer Marten: “By dredging one removes all life out of the ditch. No fish survives its impact. By cleaning only half of the ditch with a mowing bucket, I create a natural balance in and around the water.” Hooidammer farmer Marten
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODY1MjQ=