On Wednesday 18 June, the BONSAI partnership visited the "Meegroeidijk" test site, where Waterschap Noorderzijlvest is experimenting with applying sludge in thin layers to raise the dike. With this nature-based solution, the dike grows over time — keeping pace with sea level rise.
Together with all partners and several colleagues from associated organisations, we travelled by bus from Groningen to the test site: a dike on the Wadden Sea coast. There we could see live how the sludge was carefully applied in a dense layer of just a few centimetres thick.
It is fascinating to witness this experiment in real life — and to see and feel, together, the things we develop and discuss around the table. A heavy rain shower, followed by sunshine, made it a truly memorable day.
More detailed information about the Meegroeidijk can be found in our earlier blog: First Phases of the Meegroeidijk and on this webpage Noorderzijlvest - Meegroeidijk
After the Meegroeidijk, Jan Willem Nieuwenhuis of Waterschap Noorderzijlvest showed us a dike reinforcement project a little further along the dike — another great moment for all the engineers and water experts in the group.
These field visits are a fixed part of every BONSAI partner meeting: nothing strengthens transnational cooperation like standing on a dike together. In November we travel to Paris, and we are curious to see what our French partners will show us there.
More information about the partner meeting in Groningen: New Phase, New Energy: BONSAI Partners Meet in Groningen.
