Restoration of mudflats and salt marshes

Mudflat and salt marsh restoration completed

As part of the Brabo II project, Elia has erected 192-m high-voltage pylons on both banks of the Scheldt in the port of Antwerp to enable the cables to span the river without disrupting maritime traffic. The area surrounding the pylons has now been completely restored, as the mudflats and salt marshes along the Scheldt are a biotope of European importance.

• Mudflats: more than just mud
  
  The Scheldt is a tidal river that regularly bursts its banks. The ebb and flow of the river results in interplay between water, sand and silt, creating a rich natural habitat along its banks. The mudflats are those parts of the bank that are inundated every day. The river deposits a layer of silt every time the water level rises. This mud is crawling with worms, crabs and other small crustaceans, which in turn attract geese, ducks and waders.

• Salt marshes: mangroves on the Scheldt
  
  Some parts of the bank only flood at spring tide (high tide) rather than every day. Depending on the location, these areas are home to plants that can withstand temporary flooding, such as salt-tolerant herbs and grasses, as well as scrub, reed beds and willow riparian forests. The tidal effect creates steep, deep channels, causing the banks of the Scheldt to resemble tropical mangroves (dense, impenetrable thickets in the water). These biotopes are unique in Europe.

• Mudflats and salt marshes restored
  
  Elia has completely restored the banks of the Scheldt around the Brabo high-voltage pylons. A total of 11,000 m3 of soil (enough to fill around 110 lorries) was removed from an area adjacent to the project site so that this part of the left and right banks can flood naturally on a regular basis. This will enable the mudflats and salt marshes to return to their original state, with the help of the river. The original dike was reconstructed to protect the port from possible flooding (Sigma Plan).

• Further information 
  
  To find out more about mudflats and salt marshes, check out The Agentschap Natuur en Bos brochure (only available in Dutch), which served as the basis for this report.