Click here to directly access the Photo Gallery
Project name: Basel Spring Restoration
Location: Waldenburg, Basel, Switzerland
Third party audit: BAFU (Swiss Federation Office for the Environment)
Method: Spring Restoration
Impact highlights: Restored water flow and ecosystem health, biodiversity revival, reduced human interference and long-term sustainability
Context: Disappearing spring ecosystems in Switzerland
The Waldenburg region, a municipality located in the Basel area of Switzerland, is known for its rich natural landscapes, including numerous springs and vast forested areas. These ecosystems are critical for local biodiversity, supporting plant and animal species while maintaining forest health.
Natural springs are delicate ecosystems that play an essential role in local plant and animal biodiversity and forest health. This ecosystem is disappearing from the forests of Switzerland due to droughts due to climate change and human intervention, which can permanently damage this critical habitat.
Urbanization has degraded or contained 90% of natural springs, and the springs' density per square kilometer decreased by 54% between 1880 and 1990. This loss directly impacts biodiversity, as 96 species depend on spring ecosystems, with 40% of these species now endangered in Switzerland.
Without intervention, the degradation of natural springs could lead to irreversible damage to local biodiversity and forest health. To prevent this, urgent action is needed to restore and protect these vital ecosystems.
Solution: Returning the natural flow
A study identified several springs in the Basel region that are prime candidates for renaturation. By restoring these areas to a near-natural state, the water flows back into the environment, restoring unique wetland biotopes in the forest and improving conditions for the species that depend on them.
For decades, the natural springs in Waldenburg’s forests have been contained in structures like fountain rooms, draining their water and preventing it from naturally seeping into the forest floor. Without this flow, dense, unnatural vegetation grows, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.
Near-natural springs, in contrast, create unique habitats. Their steady release of water fosters the growth of rare moss, algae, and lichen species and supports a sparser forest canopy, creating a microclimate of high humidity and biodiversity.
Project design and implementation
Key activities include the removal of structural catchments and artificial water drains to allow springs to flow naturally. In some cases, selective thinning of individual trees across the site is necessary to reduce competition and improve habitat conditions. The creation of ponds can provide new habitats for aquatic and semi-aquatic species while adding deadwood in the area, which supports biodiversity by offering shelter and food sources for numerous organisms. Amphibian guidance systems will also help species safely navigate the landscape and access critical habitats.
Decommissioning forestry activities in source areas can reduce human impact and allow spring ecosystems to recover. Continuous care and monitoring of spring habitats are essential to ensure these efforts are effective over the long term.
Restoring these springs means more than removing barriers - it can restore a delicate relationship between water and forest, allowing ecosystems to heal and thrive again. We aim to achieve this balance by carefully planning measures with experts.
To ensure the highest impact and project progress standards, independent third-party verifiers will closely monitor and evaluate all the impacts above. In addition, our team of project experts conducts regular site visits, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining exceptional project quality.