Solar park Veenweg

Remarks

Field Birds
The landscape is a rich area for field birds. Due to the implementation of solar panels in the area, measures have been taken to create added value for flora and fauna, specifically for field birds.

Stopping fertilization and using chemical pesticides make the area more suitable for (field) birds and insects. Soil depletion contributes to herb-rich vegetation, thus providing an expanded food source. Additionally, reducing and delaying mowing in the season produces more flowering herbs and shrubs. This is attractive to insects, which serve as food for field birds. Moreover, the change in function leads to more tranquility, which is positive for field birds.

Approximately 33% of the area is designed to be bird-friendly, as pasture, herb-rich grassland, or sown with, among other things, alfalfa. The wild acreage covers an area of 4.8 hectares, which represents over 22% of the area.

Low shrub strips will be created on the north-east-west side. These shrubs form an ecological connection to the wild acreage and the grove planting on the German border. The reason for keeping the eastern area open (field bird area) is related to a condition from the Tract of Meppen between the Prince of Orange and the King of Hanover (also known as King George 3 of England) from 1824, which stipulated that no buildings could be placed within 100 Rhenish rods of the border. To the surprise of all involved, this was brought up during the permitting process by the Landkreis Emstland. A field bird area of 9.8 hectares will be created. Close collaboration with the Grauwe Kiekendief working group is underway to realize the field bird area.

The Haarhuis family continues to farm extensively, maintaining traditional Groningen Blaarkop cattle.