Support the pond network in the municipalities of Spa and Stoumont!

The objective of this 2025 campaign is the creation/rehabilitation of 4 natural ponds in the Sources Natural Park (Spa-Stoumont). These wetlands provide essential habitats for amphibians, insects, and birds, while improving water management and ecological connectivity.

A pond network in the municipalities of Spa and Stoumont!

In 2021, the Sources Nature Park initiated work to develop the pond network in its territory with public funding. In 2025, PlantC and the Nature Park are partnering to amplify the movement with the support of businesses and citizens!

The Sources Nature Park

The Sources Nature Park was established in 2017 and extends between the municipalities of Stoumont and Spa. Its name derives from the quality and renown of the natural mineral waters of Spa and Bru-Chevron, but also from the quantity of groundwater, the diversity of wetlands, and the number of streams and rivers flowing over more than 300 km. Thus, water, but also forests, harboring exceptional fauna and flora in the territory. At the origin of its creation, a unique public-private partnership brings together the municipalities of Spa and Stoumont), the non-profit Domaine de Bérinzenne (a structure active in nature conservation) and the Spadel group.

Why PlantC chooses to partner with the Sources Nature Park to carry out this action?

Romain Ribéraud, co-founder of PlantC:

“We were attracted by the territorial approach of the initiative. The Nature Park frames its action within a reflection on ecological networking at the supra-municipal level, through the creation of a coherent blue infrastructure. Initial achievements confirm the interest of the approach, particularly for certain species of Natura 2000 community interest, including some amphibians.” Our collaboration will provide a real leverage effect on local biodiversity impact. Where public funding sources for biodiversity are drying up, we will strive to contribute our part thanks to our community of committed stakeholders and our involvement on the ground.”

The Sources Nature Park, with its strong local roots, identifies the most relevant sites (the wettest areas), and contacts the owners. If an agreement is reached, a convention is signed, and the Park submits a planning permit application.

PlantC mobilizes funding from businesses and citizens to make the digging of ponds possible. The Nature Park and PlantC then commission a construction company and monitor the proper execution of the work. Follow-up is then carried out to observe the colonization of the sites by fauna and flora.

2025 Objective: 4 natural ponds created/rehabilitated!

The targeted plots are located in agricultural pastures or forested areas. The ponds cover a surface area of approximately 100 m² each.

Ponds to strengthen biodiversity

It is primarily about digging natural ponds, without exogenous sealing complexes, by establishing them in naturally wet and hydromorphic areas. Simple earthworks and the compaction of in-situ clay allow for the creation of ponds or hillside reservoirs.

These developments naturally have a real landscape added value, but the “nature” vocation must take precedence. Indeed, there is no question of introducing fish or horticultural or non-native plant species, as these elements strongly compete with the fauna and flora of natural environments.

Ponds play an essential role! These wetlands provide essential habitats for amphibians, insects, and birds, while improving water management and ecological connectivity.

 

Creation of a natural pond

Below is an illustration of a natural pond created on an agricultural plot near a woodland:

 

Rehabilitation of natural ponds

Below is an illustration of ponds we have rehabilitated. To rehabilitate these ponds, we carried out dredging.

This consists of removing silt from the pond and depositing it in its immediate environment, down to the natural clay.

Once the desilting is complete, it is simply a matter of re-harvesting some of the natural clay to re-seal the embankments: