Flemish Ecological Network

Flanders is a densely populated region of Europe, with a highly fragmented landscape.

To try and counteract this, the Spatial Structure Plan for the Flemish region, published in 1997, included the designation of various 'green areas'. Included within this was the Flemish Ecological Network (FEN), which aims to create a network of nationally and internationally important ecosystems within Flanders.

The FEN will be based on 'Major Areas of Nature Interest', which are areas dedicated primarily to nature conservation - they form the core areas or habitat patches within this network. The FEN will also be supported by a series of connecting structures, which include officially designated 'Nature Zones with Mixed Interest' (e.g. parks and some agricultural land) and a series of corridor areas such as hedges and small rivers.

Each of the areas within the FEN will be identified on a map, although the process of identifying and designating areas appears to be taking longer than anticipated. When completed, the network will be based on a series of structural connections which can be mapped and seen on the ground. This will create additional habitat area and should allow some species to move within the region, although it's not possible to predict the extent of movement that might occur.

See here for further information on the Flemish Ecological Network  .