Vinkenloop catchment update: latest results and future prospects
On 13 January 2026, the Water Board Aa and Maas (Waterschap Aa en Maas) is hosting a regional stakeholder meeting in Vredepeel, Netherlands. As a key partners in the Rhine, Meuse & Scheldt River Basin demo-region, Deltares and KWR will lead a dedicated workshop to share the results from the Vinkenloop demo-site and discuss collaborative water management strategies for the years ahead.
About the event
The Water Board Aa and Maas is the regional authority responsible for water management in eastern Brabant in the Netherlands. In collaboration with the GREENHOOD project, this event aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming.
This event provides a transparent look at the water quality trends observed throughout 2025, offering stakeholders a clear picture of the catchment's health. It serves as a collaborative forum where the farming community can directly engage with the experts implementing new technologies, ensuring that regional water resilience is built on a foundation of local expertise and proven data.
GREENHOOD’s workshop
The Vinkenloop site serves as a key demonstration area within the Rhine, Meuse & Scheldt River Basin demo-region, where GREENHOOD is validating its nature-based solutions (NbS) to restore nutrient balance and protect the local ecosystem.
During the workshop, the GREENHOOD team will present these key insights and future plans:
- KWR results: Experts from KWR will present the latest data from the woodchip bioreactor. Preliminary findings have already shown a remarkable 80% nitrate removal from drainage water. KWR will explain the mechanisms behind this success and address the secondary observations made during the recent drainage season.
- Deltares Roadmap (2026–2027): Deltares will outline the next phases of the project. This includes finalising the measurement campaign for the bioreactor and the detailed Catchment Measurement Plan for 2026.
- The Sedimentation Pond: A major highlight for the upcoming year is the implementation of a sedimentation pond. This system is designed to remove phosphorus and organic matter by slowing water flow, allowing particles to settle naturally. Deltares will present the measurement plan to track the nutrient loads at both the inlet and outlet of this new facility.
Are you a local stakeholder, farmer, or innovator interested in shaping the future of this region? Join our community in the Rhine, Meuse & Scheldt Basin demo-region.