Portfolio Research

Externally Funded Research: Climate Smart Forestry (2024–2026)
This project, funded by the European Forest Institute, investigates how to safeguard the vitality of the forest on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in a changing climate. Soil parameters are linked to forest stand data and climate data. Involved stakeholders: Staatsbosbeheer, European Forest Institute, Stichting NPUH.

Nitrogen Measurements Utrechtse Heuvelrug (2024–2025)
A nitrogen measurement network is being set up by the UU Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). The Hub facilitates the establishment of measurement locations on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Involved stakeholders: Landgoed Den Treek, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer.

Consortium GeLUK (Healthy and Sustainable Living Environment Utrecht Knowledge Consortium) (2024–2028)
This consortium brings SMEs and education closer together to accelerate the sustainability transition. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park is one of the living labs.

MSc Thesis Climate-Smart Forestry: Natural Regeneration and Understory (2025–2026)
Research into the effect of soil condition on the growth and survival of naturally regenerated trees and the biodiversity of the understory on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

MSc Thesis Climate-Smart Forestry: The Impact of Nutrients and Fungi on Planted Trees (2025–2026)
Research into the effect of nutrients and/or fungi on the growth and survival of various planted species.

MSc Thesis Climate-Smart Forestry (2025–2026): Regeneration and Growth of Young and Mature Trees
Research into the link between environmental factors and the regeneration and growth of young and mature trees on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

MSc Thesis Climate-Smart Forestry (2024–2025): Decomposition on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Research into the abiotic and biotic causes of leaf litter decomposition in the acidified and nitrogen-rich environment of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

MSc Thesis Climate-Smart Forestry (2024–2025): The Impact of Environmental Factors on Ground Beetles
Research into the impact of environmental factors on the abundance, diversity, and composition of ground beetles on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

MSc Thesis Modelling of Forest Rejuvenation vs. Grazing Pressure (2024–2025)
A study modeling the relationship between grazing pressure and forest rejuvenation.

BSc Thesis Cultural Ecosystem Services (Wageningen University) (2024–2025)
A study on cultural ecosystem services on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the alignment of local policies with this theme.

MSc Thesis Food Forests (2023–2024)
A study on the design and implementation of food forests on the Zuylestein estate.