News

More bird species and larger nest sizes than last year

More bird species and larger nest sizes than last year

Bird counts and nest box controls were also this year carried out at all test locations for tits. We found more different species in the nest boxes and the litter sizes were also larger than last year. In addition to many Great and Blue Tits, we counted 11 nests of the Pied Flycatcher.

The provinces of Antwerp and Limburg introduce a rare beetle as natural enemy against the oak processionary caterpillar
|

The provinces of Antwerp and Limburg introduce a rare beetle as natural enemy against the oak processionary caterpillar

At the end of May, a group of forest caterpillar hunters (beetle) was moved from the lab to the outdoors. By placing the beetles together with some young oaks and oak processionary caterpillars in a closed, but water and wind-permeable tent, the researchers can determine if the beetles feed on the caterpillars in a more natural environment.

First results of our field experiments

First results of our field experiments

Our first results indicate that both tits and parasitic wasps and flies may play an important role in mitigating nuisance caused by the oak processionary caterpillar.

Welcome to our demonstration events!

Welcome to our demonstration events!

Attend one of our demonstration events at the end of September and learn more about the progress, objectives and first results of the project. We will also visit some of our field locations.

First information boards installed

First information boards installed

In the coming weeks, we will be installing no fewer than 81 information boards at our test locations throughout Flanders and the Netherlands to inform passers-by about test setups and our LIFE project.

Annual demonstration moments
|

Annual demonstration moments

Every year, in all participating provinces, there will be demonstration moments when we will showcase the effectiveness of our trials at locations with and without natural enemies.