Habitat approach and ban on flail mowing under review |
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Research launched into alternative management of banks and waterways
STOWA has started a four-year study into the management of banks and waterways. The research examines whether the so-called habitat approach protects protected species at least as effectively as the current species-focused approach. It will also assess whether the current ban on flail mowing is justified.
| Image for illustration, generated with AI |
The reason for the research is the code of conduct for species protection for water boards, which has applied since 1 April 2025. The code is valid for five years and describes how water boards must take protected plants and animals into account during management and maintenance activities. For standard activities, they therefore do not need to apply for a separate permit every time.
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Protecting habitats could make research into protected species easier
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From searching for species to protecting habitats
The current code of conduct is based on species-focused management. Before work starts, protected species present in an area are identified, after which measures are determined for each work location. With more than 225,000 kilometres of waterways and 17,500 kilometres of water defences, this requires a large amount of research.
Many water boards are therefore already working with the habitat approach. This approach protects suitable habitats, even if no protected species have yet been found there. According to STOWA, this makes it possible to carry out less preliminary research. However, it is not yet sufficiently known whether this approach protects protected species at least as effectively.
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Flail mowing is currently prohibited, but may also offer ecological benefits
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Reviewing flail mowing
The ban on flail mowing in the current code of conduct is also being investigated. According to STOWA, the ban causes practical problems and higher costs. At the same time, flail mowing may offer benefits because mowing may be needed less often, work can take place later in the season and heavier vegetation can be managed.
The research will therefore compare the ecological impact of different mowing methods. It will also examine effectiveness and safety. In addition, STOWA is investigating various methods for mapping protected species.
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New research aims to bring ecology and practical feasibility closer together
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This article was previously published on 31 August 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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