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Climate-Resilient Design of Stream Valleys, Drenthe
Executed for: Prolander
Background
For Prolander, the implementation organization for rural areas in Drenthe and Groningen, Wateropleidingen developed a customized course on stream morphology and hydrology, as well as the driving processes behind these. With over 100 employees, Prolander has been working since 2015 on creating a sustainable, natural, and valuable landscape. Inspired by our existing course Climate-Resilient Design of Stream Valleys, Prolander sought a deeper focus on the specific situation in Drenthe. Tasked with strengthening and connecting nature reserves (Nature Network Netherlands), the organization is looking for solutions to handle extreme rainfall and combat drought. This is in line with Drenthe’s mission to restore nature and shape the landscape—essential steps in building resilience against the effects of climate change.
Programme
Tailor-made course
Wateropleidingen developed a customized course focused on the unique water system in Drenthe. Due to the area’s elevation differences, there are many streams and stream valleys. However, the foundation and slope gradient cannot be compared to streams in other provinces. For instance, the composition of the streambed in Drenthe is different, and the separating layers between the permeable soil layers have distinct characteristics. This results in specific starting points for the hydrological system in the areas where the streams are located, hence the need for a tailored approach.
The course lasted three days, with each day including a field visit to apply theory in practice. The following topics were covered:
- Building blocks for climate-resilient area design
- The sponge effect of the soil
- Necessary elements for stream valley restoration
Result
After completing the course, participants gained the following knowledge & skills:
A deeper understanding of their own water system and the possibilities for retaining water.
Methods to retain water in the soil, allowing it to slowly flow toward the streams.
The effects of certain building blocks and the objectives they aim to achieve.
Client’s Feedback
“For example, I now know more about the sponge effect of the soil and the different perspectives surrounding the terminology. What exactly does sponge effect mean? A well-designed forest, for instance, has an enormous sponge effect in itself. But that’s not the type of sponge effect you need to replenish groundwater levels in order to have a continuously flowing stream throughout the year. It was really helpful that the customized course also covered ways to retain water in the soil so that it can slowly flow towards the streams.”
Jorim Kamerling, landscape ecologist(Prolander)Article in Waterforum
An article about this customized project was published in Waterforum.
Article in Waterforum
More information about this case?
Kevin Michies
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