Approach to the row of trees on Allard Kwastweg near Pieterburen
The water authority and water authority a 5.5-kilometer-long row of ash trees along Allard Kwastweg near Pieterburen. This row of trees is part of our cultural and historical heritage. For a number of years now, we have observed that during storm season, many branches break off and trees are blown over. Under such conditions, the situation along the road is no longer safe. Therefore, we are compelled to remove some of the trees and replant new ones in their place.
The water authority submitted an exemption request for this plan to the Province of Groningen. We expect this exemption to be granted shortly.
What steps have we taken?
The water authority asked the Groningen Landscape Management Foundation to conduct a survey of the trees. The survey shows that, of the 389 trees on the queue, 154 are dead or severely affected by “ash dieback.” This disease is incurable; an affected tree will die eventually regardless.
In addition to the tree inventory, an ecological “quick scan” was also conducted. This revealed that there are no protected plant or animal species in the vicinity of the row of trees. No nests or roosting sites of birds that are present year-round were found either. However, the row of trees does serve as an important flight path for bats. We have therefore taken this into account in our plan.
What's the plan?
The 154 dead or severely damaged trees will be removed. Each tree will be immediately replaced with a new one. The new trees will be a mix of different species. To minimize disruption to the bats’ flight paths, slightly larger trees will be planted. At two locations, five trees in a queue will be queue . At these locations, an even larger tree will be planted in the center. In addition, a significant number of trees that are still in reasonable condition will be pruned. This pruning will ensure that these trees can remain standing for another five to eight years. That is long enough to allow the new trees to grow and to preserve the flight path for bats.
We’re also doing something extra: we’re planting shrubs among the trees. The more varieties of trees and shrubs there are, the greater the biodiversity will be. Bat boxes will also be installed on some of the trees that remain standing.
When will the work take place?
We are waiting for the exemption from the province of Groningen. As things stand now, we plan to begin restoring the row of trees in early 2023. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2023.