Bordering the perimeter of the Hoge Kempen National Park (NPHK), the master plan also identified 32 impulse areas, including one ecological impulse area (the Bosbeek valley) and 31 landscape impulse areas. An impulse area is an area that plays or can play an important role in the optimal functioning of the NPHK. They currently have a high ecological, landscape and/or strategic-connecting value. They can make the NPHK more robust and beautiful. The main point of difference with areas within the perimeter of the NPHK is that the designation of an impulse area does not question the current zoning and (legal) use. Moreover, the demarcation is indicative.
2 concrete areas
This research aimed to give the concept of a landscape impulse area a more concrete form. To this end, together with the various partners we looked for impulses and opportunities to increase the spatial quality and for win-wins for all parties active in the impulse area. The underlying objective here remains the pursuit of optimal functioning of the NPHK. This study focused on two specific areas: Zavelbos and Driepaal-Aertshouw.
A possible development scenario was worked out for these two areas. The step toward effective interventions in the field was also prompted. In addition, a number of instruments were proposed that could be used to implement in the field. On the basis of these two areas, a methodology was worked out for approaching impulse areas. With minor adjustments, this methodology is also applicable in the other impulse areas of the NPHK. The methodology does not aim for completeness, but is based on a limited number of strategic themes with which a significant improvement in the field can be achieved. This report also includes some recommendations as a memo for any additional studies that may be conducted in the future around impulse areas.