Ecology and the landscape
Ecology and the landscape
In a highly-urbanised and fragmented landscape, such as Flanders, attention to nature and ecology is increasing. Antea Group offers custom advice for every project, with dynamic, contemporary and, above all, effective ideas. We have extensive experience in the inventory and development of landscape ecological views, monitoring, impact assessments, nature assessment, development, design and management, BREEAM, forest compensation, ecohydrology, etc.
Ecosystem services
Based on an ecosystem service analysis, we study measures that contribute to water infiltration and biodiversity or enhance the landscape experience. Water storage in the event of flooding and water retention to bridge periods of drought are the guiding principle for this. We convert these insights into climate-proof designs for green-blue networks and public space.
Integrated water management thus involves the repair, maintenance and sustainable use of our water systems to ensure that future generations can fully enjoy sufficient amounts of quality water. This explains our active worldwide involvement in research projects and implementation projects, in addition to our specialisation in a variety of disciplines such as water quality, hydrogeology and hydroecology as well as the socio-economic consequences of drought and flooding. The interaction with other fields is crucial. The European policy guidelines provide a clear and inspiring stream of policy, management and implementation questions about water systems.
Ecohydrology
We are particularly skilled when it comes to ecohydrological and ecohydraulic studies. In recent years, we carried out numerous specialised studies for various customers, focussing on ecology and hydrology - including modelling. Working with big data is often a must in this context, data analysis efficiency and an ecological insight are a prerequisite. We focus on various disciplines, such as:
- NICHE modelling
- aquatic-ecological modelling
- water quality in relation to biotic quality, incl. drawing up an MMIF (multimetric macro-invertebrate index)
- hydromodelling in conjunction with vegetation monitoring, incl. monitoring with permanent plots
- time series analyses
- ...
Management and monitoring
We have extensive expertise in the field of nature inventories, more specifically in the monitoring of various plant and animal species. We collect, analyse and interpret relevant data. This is the basis for determining management and policy.
The monitoring of natural values includes monitoring possible changes over time. A monitoring process reveals the relationship between the observed and desired evolutions. This is vital for making potential adjustments in terms of management and policy.
BREEAM
The interest in ecological sustainability is increasing daily. Sustainability is an important theme in new-builds, as well as renovation projects. If you are looking to sustainably integrate ecology in urban areas or buildings, then you’ve come to the right place. The optimisation of your BREEAM score for ecology and land use is our concern.
Landscape and heritage
Attention to landscape and heritage values is a common thread in many of our spatial projects, such as the redevelopment of historic village centres and the development and renovation of valuable parks, castles, churches, and fortresses in relation to their environment. We develop policy, development, and management plans for historic landscapes, listed city and villagescapes, as well as monuments and heritage sites so that you, the manager, enjoy the support you need and the heritage you manage receives the appreciation that it deserves.
