Ugchelse Stream

Ugchelsebeek

The Ugchelsebeek is a showcase project for climate adaptation in the Netherlands.

In 2013, the stream at the Hocatex mill site was restored, and a new waterwheel and a fish ladder were installed. In 2014, the combined vision for the Ugchelsebeek and Schoolbeek was adopted. In 2016, a fish ladder was constructed between the Schoolbeek and the Ugchelsebeek.

The restoration work on the Ugchelse streams places great emphasis on cultural history, ecology and sustainable water management. The aim is to improve and expand the habitat for the brook lamprey in particular. Other species will also benefit from this. The brook lamprey is a rare and vulnerable species and is found in a number of sections of the Ugchelse streams.

Ugchelsebeek North

The Ugchelsebeek Noord is the section of the stream between Eendrachtstraat in Apeldoorn and Jan van Houtumlaan in Ugchelen.

When

In 2017, work was carried out on the development of the Ugchelsebeek Noord. The preliminary design, which was presented at a public consultation meeting on 27 June 2017, was subsequently developed into a final design and a set of specifications for the stream area. On 6 February 2018, a public consultation meeting was held to inform residents about the implementation. The works took place between early 2018 and early 2019.

What happened?

The existing stream has been restored and fitted with a new layer of clay and revetment where necessary. Short sections of new stream have also been added. Native vegetation has been planted along the stream in many places. To enable fish to swim upstream, a fish ladder has been constructed in the stream at a few points. Pike pools have also been created. These are widened sections of the stream where the flow velocity decreases and where pike larvae can grow up in “sand” banks. In Carrousel Park, a water retention area has been created between the Ugchelsebeek and the Winkewijert. This provides space to store water (during peak flows), for example after heavy rainfall. When it freezes, the water retention area can be used as an ice rink. In a few places, the old mill sites have been made visible through the creation of drop points. For example, a new waterfall has been created at Carrouselpark and a fish ladder with a distribution structure has been installed at Bogaardslaan. Much of the stream can be seen from the path running alongside it and from the bridges crossing it. The photographs and the preliminary design Part 1 (PDF, 13 MB) and Part 2 (pdf, 8 MB) provide an overview of the new layout of the stream area.

Ugchelsebeek Central

The Ugchelsebeek Midden is the section of the stream between Jan van Houtumlaan in Ugchelen and the A1 motorway.

When

Work on the design of the Ugchelsebeek Midden took place in 2017. The preliminary design was presented at a public consultation event on 28 September 2017. It was then developed in further detail. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2019.

What happened?

In addition to recreation and sustainable water management, nature conservation is a key focus of this plan. Silt has been removed from the stream, and small-scale measures have been proposed to improve the habitat of the brook lamprey. This was achieved by creating varying flow velocities. The meadow in the stream zone has been degraded to encourage the development of greater natural value. To give nature more opportunities, the nutrient-rich topsoil of the meadow has been removed. As a result, the subsoil now has a highly varied composition, comprising patches of poor sand, peat layers and some richer sections. This is a highly suitable subsoil for nature development alongside the Ugchelsebeek. On this nutrient-poor and varied subsoil, a greater variety of plant species are given a chance to thrive (enriching the natural environment). This gives biodiversity a positive boost. The meadow along the stream has been transformed into a nature reserve featuring varied, flower-rich grassland. Two ponds have also been created, which are of particular benefit to amphibians. The area has been made fully accessible to walkers and children at play. A boardwalk has been laid within the nature reserve and the ice rink has been refurbished. 

Ugchelsebeek South

The Ugchelsebeek Zuid comprises the headwaters and streams of the Ugchelsebeek and the Steenbeek, south of the A1 motorway. We will tackle the preparation and implementation of this area step by step.

Ugchelsebeek near Koppelsprengen

We will be carrying out renovation work on the Ugchelsebeek between Casimirlaan and Hamermolen. This will take place between 21 October and early December 2024.

Hamermolen Fish Ladder

At present, fish near the Hamermolen cannot swim against the current because of the mill wheel and the difference in water level. That is why we are building a fish ladder a little further away from the mill. The fish ladder will allow fish to overcome the difference in height step by step. This will particularly help the brook lamprey, a rare species of fish, to survive better. The fish ladder will be built in the autumn of 2025.

Steenbeek

We have a plan to restore the Steenbeek. We are going to refurbish the existing stream and bring a section that currently runs underground back to the surface. We discussed this plan with the relevant parties at the end of 2023. The feedback was positive and we have made a few adjustments. A large section of the stream runs through private land owned by the VHP paper mill. We will consult with this company regarding the implementation, which is scheduled for autumn 2025.

Ugchelsebeek between Hamermolen and Keienbergweg

We are also drawing up a plan for the section of the Ugchelsebeek between the Hamermolen and the Keienbergweg. This plan concerns the restoration of the stream. A fish ladder will be installed here too, and we are looking into how we can preserve the remains of the old Altena mill. Initial discussions with landowners have begun. In the autumn of 2024, the draft plan will be discussed during a public consultation session. Implementation is scheduled for the autumn of 2025.