Small Landscape Elements

 

The Small Landscape Elements working group is part of IVN, department Veldhoven Eindhoven Vessem. The group has existed since 1991 and consists of approximately 25 members. On each workday, between about 10 and more than 15 volunteers are present at the work site, enthusiastically working in nature and enjoying doing so together as a group. Small Landscape Elements (KLEs) and cultural heritage are closely connected in the Veldhoven region. Many small landscape elements originated from how people used the landscape in the past and are therefore also part of cultural heritage. In addition, there is a surprising amount of archaeological heritage around Veldhoven. One of the most remarkable examples is the group of around thirty burial mounds in the Toterfout, Halfmijl Molenvelden area and near Koningshof. Without active management, Small Landscape Elements (KLEs) would quickly disappear from the landscape. Maintenance consists of regular coppicing (once every few years) and the removal of invasive species. Without maintenance, hedgerows grow too tall and become bare at the base, while weaker species receive less space and light, causing them to be overtaken by more dominant species
and reducing biodiversity. Willows are pollarded every 3–5 years, as the branches would otherwise become too heavy, causing the tree to split and die.
This work takes place from mid-October to mid-March. During this period, work is carried out on Tuesday afternoons from 13:00 to 16:00 and on Saturday mornings from 09:00 to 12:00.

The burial mounds are vulnerable and require annual grass mowing, as well as the removal of encroaching trees and shrubs. Without maintenance, the burial mounds would become overgrown and disappear from the landscape. This work takes place from the end of May to the beginning of August. During this period, we work on Tuesday mornings from 09:00 to 12:00.

We mainly do this work because it is enjoyable and healthy. We work as a team, we are active outdoors, and there is time for social interaction during the work. At the same time, we serve a good cause by contributing to nature management and helping to improve natural value and biodiversity by promoting greater variation in vegetation.

Is this something for you? For more targeted information: Cor van Leeuwen, phone number +31 6 3973 9572 or email corvanleeuwen.ivnvev@gmail.com

You can download the (Dutch) brochure with more information here.