Sports events fund artificial nesting wall for vulnerable sand martins in Lommel

A new artificial nesting wall is set to be built along the water's edge in the Lommelse Sahara, providing a crucial habitat for vulnerable sand martins. This initiative, scheduled for completion this winter, aims to address the declining availability of natural nesting sites for these birds.

Sand martins typically nest in steep banks and sandy cliffs. However, these natural locations are becoming increasingly rare. As a result, the birds have sometimes resorted to nesting in sand piles at construction sites, but these temporary nests are often unintentionally destroyed. The new nesting wall will offer a secure and stable environment for the sand martins to breed.

The project is being funded through a "nature contribution" levied on organizers of paid sporting events held within Nationaal Park Bosland. Events such as BoslandBike, LimTrail, BoslandTrail, and Lopen door de Bomen will contribute to this fund. This mechanism not only finances conservation efforts but also serves to raise participants' awareness of their environmental impact.

Raf Truyens, chairman of Nationaal Park Bosland, highlighted the importance of managing recreational pressure in the nature areas. He stated that the nature contribution helps visitors become more conscious of their impact. The number of conservation projects undertaken each year will depend on the participation in these sporting events. The collected funds will support various conservation efforts, biodiversity enhancement, and projects promoting sustainable enjoyment of nature within the park.

Nationaal Park Bosland spans over 5,000 hectares across Lommel, Pelt, and Hechtel-Eksel, with plans to expand to 10,000 hectares. The Lommelse Sahara's new breeding bank is part of a broader strategy to protect and enhance the region's natural heritage.

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We welcome many visitors to our nature areas, but the recreational pressure remains a point of attention. Thanks to the nature contribution, visitors also become more aware of their impact.