The article discusses the potential ecological role for beavers along brooks in Limburg. Since 1992, beavers have been regularly spotted in the province. Beavers build dams in streams, allowing them to construct safe burrows and create suitable foraging areas. Such dams create stagnant pools of water within a stream, which may eventually alter the stream's course. Beaver dams increase the system's water retention capacity, reducing discharge peaks and preventing water shortage in summer.
Beavers also create open spots in riparian forests, leading to a more varied forest structure.
Thus, beavers can play an important part in nature development projects in Limburg brook valleys, especially where new opportunities are created for spontaneous forest development. The return of beavers to the brook valleys is greatly dependent on the river Meuse, which functions both as a habitat and as a migration route. Cross-border collaboration and exchange of information are essential, both for spontaneous colonization and for active reintroduction. Last but not least, providing extensive information on beavers to Limburg residents will be a vital factor. Over the period 1991-1993, three brook valleys in southern and central Limburg were restructured by the Roer en Overmaas Water Board.