Projects
Otter
At the end of 2019, I expressed the wish with two otter experts to offer otters more protection. This resulted in further cooperation through the establishment of Otterholt.nl, of which Nestkastbouw Steffens is a part.
Otters have several hiding places in their large territory. In England, such a hiding place of an otter is called an otter den. They are often natural holes where an otter can rest safely and possibly give birth to young.
Due to the often lack of natural cavities and shelters along the banks, otters travel huge distances in search of suitable locations to stay and raise their young. Disturbance of existing natural shelters by humans and natural intruders also cause otters to move away again, even though the area is probably suitable. A disadvantage of migrating otters is that they often fall victim to traffic.
It soon became apparent that certain organisations were interested in our ideas. This was one of the reasons for us to further develop and investigate this. We shared our idea with the Province of Overijssel and they were also enthusiastic. This resulted in a first assignment, with the Province of Overijssel as client. For more information, I refer you to www.otterholt.nl.
Nature-inclusive construction Amstelstroom Bridge Amsterdam
The new bridge over the Duivendrechtse Vaart makes a prominent connection between the A2/A10 and the Amstelkwartier. An interesting task because the bridge creates a link between the more scenic west bank and the inner-city Amstelkwartier. That is why we looked at an integration that fits in with both characters, but also the ecological contribution that the bridge can make to the district and the environment. We worked closely with Smartland on this.
Landscape Architects in Amsterdam. In short, 'an ecological masterpiece'.
Eagle owl boxes in Amsterdam
The Gijsbrecht van Aemstelpark is located in Amsterdam. In 2017 and 2018, the municipality of Amsterdam is working on a project to give the park more natural value. One of the measures is the placement of tawny owl boxes. A total of six tawny owl boxes have been placed in the Buitenveldert district, including 3 in the Gijsbrecht van Aemstelpark. Buitenveldert is a district with relatively young vegetation. Trees are at least 50 years old. But there are not many old trees with cavities. The tawny owl is observed and also breeds in a few places, but the number of nesting places is limited. That is why nest boxes have been placed for the tawny owl and one for the little owl.
Total project around hotel
We have realised a nesting box project around the largest hotel in the Netherlands. The grounds, where guests can enjoy the peace and nature, have been furnished by us with nesting boxes for various bird species, including: songbirds, owls and kestrels. Duck baskets have also been placed around the constructed ponds.
Realization of nest box project for former Twente air base
Area Development Twente (ADT) is the area director for the area development of Twente Airport and surroundings. ADT is a partnership between the Province of Overijssel and the Municipality of Enschede. In collaboration with ADT and Consultancy Eelerwoude, we have realized a large nest box project. It involved the delivery of approximately 100 boxes for owls, songbirds and bats.
Military training ground
The Rijksvastgoedbedrijf has been hanging pine marten boxes on six military training grounds and barracks around Amersfoort for over 20 years. These boxes are necessary because the trees on the grounds are relatively young and therefore do not contain enough tree cavities. These tree cavities are essential for the pine marten to reproduce. By hanging boxes, the pine marten is offered nesting opportunities. Around Amersfoort, at least 2 female pine martens raise young in these boxes every year.
The old boxes (made from old first aid and ammunition boxes at the time) are rotten and will therefore be replaced in 2018 by new boxes, made from sustainable thick domestic Douglas fir. The properties of this wood are ideal for making pine marten boxes. Steffens Nestkastbouw has manufactured and delivered a number of pine marten boxes, including a number of 'single' models (consisting of 1 room) as well as a number of 'flat models' (consisting of 3 rooms).