Nature reserve 't Sohr

't Sohr, located between Ooijen and Wanssum, is an old arm of the Meuse that was cut off from the Meuse in the 15th century. The arm is located on the low terrace along the steep edge in the transition area to the blanket landscape west of the Meuse. In addition to peat extraction, 't Sohr, like many other dry Meuse arms, has been used as extensive grassland and for timber production.

Until 1995, the old arm of the Meuse fulfilled a crucial function in the discharge of high water on the Meuse. After the high water levels of 1993-1995 with the disastrous flooding for the surrounding areas, it was decided to close off this arm of the Meuse with quays. However, this created a bottleneck in the river. The constructed quays led to backwater during high water. Water management has now been looked at differently and it has been decided to reverse the 1995 intervention. As a result, the old arm regains its original function of papallel flow. This is combined with protective and area development measures. At high tide, the old arm is allowed to carry water again. During extremely dry periods, the arm acts as water storage; Hence the name climate buffer.

Roland Versteegden