By Gloria Bevilacqua
From 29 July to 2 August, the REWRITE team carried out its latest field campaign in the Scheldt Estuary, a vast, dynamic region spanning the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. The week-long research effort brought together project partners from across Europe to study how these saltmarshes and mudflats are storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and responding to environmental change.
Building on the approaches developed during our first field session in Cádiz, the team applied a wide range of methods to monitor carbon dynamics and ecosystem functioning across different types of sites, including restored marshes in Perkpolder, Hedwige & Prosperpolder, Sieperdaschor, and two reference sites at Groot Buitenschoor and Baalhoek.
Highlights from the field
- Chronosequence assessments: The Essex team led investigations into carbon stocks and fluxes across sites of different ages, contributing to the PhD research of Charlotte Worrall.
- Sensor testing: Researchers from the University of Hull piloted the low-cost CO₂ sensor prototype, comparing results to standard benthic chamber techniques.
- Sediment cores & incubations: Core samples were collected for blue carbon storage analysis and biogeochemical incubations.
- eDNA sampling: Environmental DNA was extracted from sediments to reveal hidden microbial communities and track biodiversity indicators.
- Vegetation and site surveys: Field teams recorded plant composition and structure to assess saltmarsh functioning.
As one of REWRITE’s key Demonstrator Sites, the Scheldt Estuary offers a unique opportunity to explore long-term restoration efforts across a diversity of sites. The insights gained here will feed into our broader mission: to understand how coastal rewilding can boost carbon storage, foster biodiversity, and build resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for the next campaign!