Donkeys will maintain a nature reserve in the port of Rotterdam. This is the approach behind the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s trial to release three Spanish donkeys into the Geuzenbos. The animals will help reduce the proliferation of sea buckthorn along the area’s pipeline corridor.
The port of Rotterdam is equipped with a range of modern and technical gadgets – from e-noses to the virtual fence with smart cameras. Yet, to tackle the issue of the overly abundant sea buckthorn in the Geuzenbos, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is turning to an old-fashioned, natural solution: the donkey.
After meticulous preparation, including health checks, vaccinations and a period of acclimatisation to the Dutch weather, the animals were recently introduced to the Geuzenbos. The three donkeys emerged from the trailer somewhat hesitantly, but soon set off at a gallop to explore their new surroundings.
Photo: Marc Nolte
Pipeline corridors
In the port of Rotterdam, pipeline corridors are essential for transporting various substances, such as oil products, chemicals and industrial gases. These pipelines connect companies in the port and extend to other locations across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
For safety reasons, vegetation along pipeline corridors must always be kept short. When that only concerns grassy vegetation, the task is straightforward. In the case of the Geuzenbos, however, the situation is more challenging due to the presence of sea buckthorn. This tenacious shrub thrives in the area, spreading rapidly and growing to considerable heights in a short time. The result is intensive maintenance, requiring many hours of work and incurring high costs.
The Geuzenbos, a 29-hectare area of woodland and an open space between the Europoort and Voorne-Putten, is already home to two Tauros cattle. These animals help manage the area ecologically through grazing, but they show little appetite for the thorny sea buckthorn. Consequently, the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s Asset Management Department, in consultation with Grazelands Rewilding – the organisation responsible for the grazing project – proposed introducing donkeys to the area.
Feasting on thorny plants
These particular donkeys belong to the Zamorano-Leonés breed, a Spanish donkey species that are known for their fondness of dry, rugged vegetation. In Spain, they are even deployed in areas dense with thorny plants to help combat forest fires. These donkeys – roughly the size of an average pony – are also highly resilient to harsh weather conditions.
Their dietary preferences and calm temperament make for an ideal match for this trial in the Geuzenbos. The donkeys will share the area with the Tauros cattle already present. In Spain, their interactions with these cattle have already been observed, and both species are expected to coexist peacefully, leaving each other largely undisturbed.
Biodiversity
In addition to the Port of Rotterdam Authority's aim of reducing the need for extensive maintenance of the pipeline corridors through this trial, the arrival of the donkeys brings additional and potentially more significant benefits. This is according to Lissethe Veenstra, Infrastructure Asset Manager at Port of Rotterdam Authority, ‘The presence of donkeys also benefits biodiversity in the port area. We take care of the nature that we have in the port. Ecological management aligns perfectly with that.'
Trial in all seasons
The trial is expected to run for at least one to one and a half years, allowing the donkeys' behaviour and effectiveness to be monitored across different seasons. If they prove successful in controlling the sea buckthorn, they will be retained permanently. Veenstra comments, ‘It’s a light-hearted but thoughtful initiative that contributes to biodiversity and sustainability.'
Local residents and visitors are informed via signage about the presence of the donkeys and the associated rules of conduct, such as keeping dogs on a leash and refraining from feeding the animals. The Port of Rotterdam Authority emphasises that safety and animal welfare remain paramount. It is self-evident that the animals are under close supervision.
About nature in the port of Rotterdam
There is a surprising amount of nature in the port of Rotterdam. Examples include the Rozenburg Landtong, the Vogelvallei (Bird Valley), the Geuzenbos, Groene Poort tide park, but nature also thrives in unexpected places, right in the midst of industrial activity. From oysters to orchids, seals to pipistrelle bats, wildlife is far from uncommon.
In developing the port, the Port of Rotterdam Authority carefully considers protected plant and animal species, ecological values and biodiversity. This approach requires professional management and well-considered decision-making, ensuring that the Port of Rotterdam Authority takes full account of the quality of the living environment.
Source: Port of Rotterdam