Photo - Experience exchange trip to river restoration sites in the Netherlands 12-16.09.2011

Johan Bekhuis from 'ARK Nature'.
Photo: I. Vilka

J. Bekhuis telling about 'ARK Nature' project site 'Gelderse Poort', while 'Elm Media' staff document the visit for a film.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Ships in the river Waal.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Sea-hollies Eryngium maritimum in the floodplain of river Waal.
Photo: I. Vilka

Black poplar Populus nigra (large tree and recently sprouted tree), a  native poplar species.
Photo: I. Vilka, D. Gruberts

Floating bird observation hide, rising with water level for several meters during floods.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Large areas, left for natural development, are covered by invasive Indian Balsam Impatiens glandulifera.
Photo: I.Vilka

'Konik' horses grazing on grasslands of 'Gelderse Poort'.
Photo: I.Vilka

Discussions on hydrological restoration of Dviete river. Left to right: Leo Linnartz (ARK Nature), Edmunds Račinskis (LFN), Daphne Willems (Stroming) and Dāvis Gruberts (Daugavpils University).
Photo: I. Vilka

At the banks of river Maas, separating the Netherlands and Belgium.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Deepened floodplain of the river Maas (by gravel mining), left for natural development.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Restored floodplain of the river Maas.
Photo: I. Vilka

Hettie Meertens from 'ARK Nature' telling about 'Grensmaas' project.
Photo: I. Vilka

River Maas has gravel riverbed, regularly changed by strong current during the floods.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Project group at the river Maas.
Photo: I. Vilka

Stones sedimented by the river Maas.
Photo: I. Vilka

Artificially created obstacles with rapids in the river Maas to raise water level in the vicinity during low water levels.
Photo: E. Račinskis

As a natural monument, ancient tree trunks, found in the sediments of river Maas, have been erected in 'ARK Nature' project sites.
Photo: I. Vilka

Nature restoration site, bordering with a town on one side and with corn field on the other side.
Photo: D. Gruberts

One of the functioning windmills in the Netherlands. A restaurant is arranged here as well.
Photo: I. Vilka

Denis Frissen from 'ARK Nature' telling about 'Kempen-Broek' project site.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Project group listening to D. Frissen from ‘ARK Nature’ in ‘Kempen-Broek’.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Project staff in 'Kempen-Broek' at the site, were ditches cross in two levels.
Photo: E. Račinskis

A ditch, filled up to restore natural hydrological regime.
Photo: I. Vilka

Forest, rich in springs in the vicinity of Arcen.
Photo: I. Vilka

Restored wetland in the vicinity of Arcen.
Photo: I. Vilka

Hans de Mars from consultancy company 'Royal Haskoning' telling about wetland restoration in the vicinity of Arcen.
Photo: I. Vilka

A small river, characteristic for the Netherlands.
Photo: D. Gruberts

With Hans de Mars and Leo Linnartz at the restored wetland in the vicinity of Arcen.
Photo: E. Račinskis

At the restored wetland in the vicinity of Arcen.
Photo: E. Račinskis

In the background - restored wetland which was a river floodplain once. The river was regulated afterwards, still is not restored in its natural site now, but moved aside (in the front), to avoid flowing of polluted water in the wetland.
Photo: I. Vilka

'Elm Media' taking an interview from Hans de Mars.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Project group at a restored section of Molenbeek.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Restored river Molenbeek, overgrown with herbs and bushes.
Photo: I. Vilka

Hans de Mars telling about restoration of small rivers.
Photo: I.Vilka

Project group at a restored section of Molenbeek river.
Photo: E. Račinskis

Beautiful alleys are characteristic to the roads of the Netherlands. A tree with a cavity can be noticed here as well.
Photo: I. Vilka

Elm Media taking an interview from Benita Štrausa.
Photo: E. Račinskis