Luchtfoto bosgebied naast Berchmanianum
Luchtfoto bosgebied naast Berchmanianum

Closure of forest area at Berchmanianum for nature restoration

News item

Radboud University has started closing part of the forest area between Houtlaan and Willem Nuyenslaan. The aim is to give nature there a rest so that it can recover and develop. The main paths around this forest area will remain accessible to users as usual.

Increase in biodiversity

The forest area west of the Berchmanianum is used by many walkers and cyclists. It is also a popular green area for dog owners. Most people leash their dogs neatly, some, however, let their dogs wander through the forest. This disturbs nature. Back in 2018, the university cordoned off part of the forest to protect the goshawk that had its nesting grounds there. Biodiversity has increased significantly in this forest area since then. Two subsequent plots will be closed in early May, see map below.

 

Map resting areas forest near Berchmanianum

More living space for animals

Around the forest plots, the university will initially place bollards with taut wires between them to indicate that it is not the intention to enter the forest here. Later, this fence will be supplemented with natural materials from the campus, such as pruned wood and branch rills. There will be a so-called baseline measurement as well as annual monitoring, with which to track how nature develops. It is expected that especially animals sensitive to disturbance, such as birds and bats, will use the area more for shelter, foraging and breeding. Also, the fox, which previously resided in the existing resting area, will get more habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact information

Organizational unit
Campus & Facilities
Theme
Sustainability