• February 25, 2026

Results of hydrological research in the Grote Beek Valley

After almost two years of research (including the very wet year of 2024 and the very dry summer of 2023), the results of the study in the Grote Beek are now known. This hydrological study provides us with all the information we need to restore the stream valley on a system-wide scale and protect the existing peat.

Based on data from 45 monitoring wells that track water levels throughout the Grote Beek Valley and research by EcAsCo and Paludosa Research (with peat experts Rudy Van Diggelen and Camiel Aggenbach), the entire hydrological system of the stream valley was mapped. Surface water, groundwater, water quality and chemistry were all analysed. 

In general, the water quality in the various stream courses was found to be rather poor, with a thick layer of silt containing a large amount of nutrients. If these nutrients wash into the peat area, the peat will degrade significantly. In terms of chemical contamination, including heavy metals, the situation was better than expected. 

Furthermore, as expected, it was found that the entire stream valley is far too heavily drained to preserve the peat. The study proposed a number of measures to achieve this restoration. These measures will therefore be implemented within the LIFE Multi Peat project and two additional PSN projects to remove the deep drainage in the nature reserves. For example, the extensive network of small ditches in the nature reserves must be completely removed and the oversized streams must be deepened, often to 30 cm below ground level. In the medium term, work will also have to be done to remove the many overflows that currently discharge nutrient-rich water into the stream.