The Klein and Groot Schietveld are two exceptionally large nature reserves that are part of the green belt north of the city of Antwerp. The Klein and Groot Schietveld are military domains. The military government is therefore the main user of the grounds. In the Schietvelden we find some of the best-preserved patches of wet heathland in Flanders, important for the survival of typical heathland species such as heath blue and adder.
The Schietvelden are located near each other, but are currently separated by transverse traffic infrastructures (Essensteenweg, Bredabaan and local roads), residential area, recreational area, industrial area and (other forms of) forest and nature. However, the Schietvelden both belong to the Natura 2000 network and both contain very rare habitats, crucial for the conservation objectives of several species. The potential added value of a connection between the two areas is therefore high.
The priority development of this action was specifically chosen for its urgency. After consultation with local councils and other involved actors within the complex project, it has emerged that the intervening area is under pressure from additional development. A number of protected species within the Shooting Fields are also under increasing pressure from climate change, with the recent drought being a telling sign.
This study is framed within the complex project New Rand (www.denieuwerand.be), specifically the area programme Climate Belt.