Discover the challenges of managing invasive alien aquatic and riparian species. While these species cross borders effortlessly, managers must deal with administrative and ownership constraints. Learn from national-scale management stories through two sites managed during the LIFE RIPARIAS project. Lunch will be taken at the historic site of Lion’s Mound in Waterloo.

Appropriate clothing and footwear for field and outdoor conditions are required.

Discover the challenges of managing invasive alien aquatic and riparian species. While these species cross borders effortlessly, managers must deal with administrative and ownership constraints. Learn from national-scale management stories through two sites managed during the LIFE RIPARIAS project. Lunch will be taken at the historic site of Lion’s Mound in Waterloo.

Appropriate clothing and footwear for field and outdoor conditions are required.

Located on the edge of the Sonian Forest, the Red Cloister site is a former Augustinian abbey and a protected Natura 2000 and heritage site, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and historic value. The visit combines a guided tour of the restored intra muros area—highlighting the site’s history, restoration works, bat conservation measures, and innovative management practices such as invasive species control and wildlife-friendly lighting—with a guided walk in the surrounding Sonian Forest, focusing on applied forest management and its UNESCO World Heritage status. The day includes lunch and concludes with a networking reception in the recently restored priory.

Appropriate clothing and footwear for field and outdoor conditions are required.

As part of the Life DUNIAS project, which aims to improve the health of the Flemish coastal dunes by tackling invasive alien species, invasive shrubs are being removed from the area. These species, such as the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) and the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), are spreading rapidly and displacing the native dune vegetation. These species are being removed from the dunes using excavators and sieves, which will allow native species to recover. During this field trip, we will visit an area of dunes on the western coast of Flanders (in the Koksijde region) where many exotic shrubs have already been removed. We will see different IAS in the Flemish dunes and learn about the methods used to remove them. We will visit areas where IAS have already been removed, where we can observe native flora recolonising these patches. In the afternoon, we will work together to remove exotic plants from the dunes.

Walking boots and working gloves are needed.

Join us for a refreshing day outdoors at the beautiful Meise Botanic Garden, one of Europe's largest and most historic botanical gardens. After a welcome in the castle, that dates back to the 12th-century. Participants will join guided tours in small groups led by English-speaking experts. The tour highlights invasive species present in the garden. Following the guided visits, participants can enjoy lunch in the castle, followed by free time to explore the extensive plant collections, heritage landscapes and glasshouses at their own pace. The excursion concludes with a reception featuring an introduction to the OneSTOP project. Combining scientific insights with a relaxed and inspiring botanical experience. 

Appropriate clothing and footwear for field and outdoor conditions are required.

The dinner will take place at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, an iconic venue in the heart of Brussels. Guests will enjoy the event with a unique view of the world-famous Dinosaur Gallery. This exceptional setting offers an inspiring atmosphere surrounded by one of the most important paleontological collections in Europe.

Reception and 3 course dinner, drinks included.