Staro Nature and Countryside - for the right balance between ecology and economy

"We think that can go well together," says Erik van der Staak, founder and director of Staro Nature and Outdoors. "With an enthusiastic team consisting of scientists, researchers, thinkers and doers with the same ambition, we strive for a good coexistence of society and nature."

In word and deed

"Our skilled consultants provide support on issues of forest and nature management, research and monitoring, ecological project support and design and realization. In doing so, we combine scientific knowledge with a practical attitude, never losing sight of nature legislation and policy. We focus on unburdening our clients, as well as striving for the highest possible quality."

Ecology within the GWW

"Part of our activities is focused on research for demolition, housing construction or renovation or for the preparation of infrastructure works. Thereby we support and guide parties in tenders on the ecology component, guide the projects as ecologists and, if desired, also think along in the design and realization of the project." Van der Staak observes that only rarely do plans fail because of the protection of plants, animals or natural areas. "Based on ecological research, we map an area and get a good picture of the natural values and flora and fauna present. If protected natural values are present, a permit or exemption can be applied for." In addition, Staro conducts numerous studies within the framework of nature legislation into the effects of spatial developments on nature and landscape and provides appropriate advice. Van der Staak: "Within the limits of the Nature Protection Act, you can do a lot of good in terms of biodiversity and ecology. We always find a practical solution where both the contractor and the client as well as nature itself benefit from what we advise." Staro Nature and Countryside understands how a work is put together, what the mutual interests are and what the right order of work is. "Using the right approach, we ensure that the ecological work protocol is properly safeguarded."

Nature-inclusive building

A careful process starts with appropriate advice and ends with a satisfied delivery. "By including ecology early in the design process, you can make the right choices around the layout of an area in a timely manner. That saves time and money. In urban areas, too, you can contribute to higher biodiversity and create an attractive and healthy living environment by building nature-inclusively," says Van der Staak. "This is how we give an ecological plus to a project, which is immediately also an economic plus!" Van der Staak mentions a few projects from the GWW sector where Staro's expertise has been used. "For a large contractor in infra, we carried out the ecological guidance for the widening of highways. In that context, for example, we conduct research into the effect of vibrations on bats when working on an overpass. In the Rotterdam port area, we provide alternatives for breeding birds so that they do not occupy future construction sites. On the Second Maasvlakte we are capturing and relocating natterjack toads so that construction can take place there next winter. In the hydrological restoration of the Groote Peel, we helped write the contractor's quality plan and our ecologist supervised the entire project. But also the construction of ecological connection zones, a Natura 2000 assessment, the implementation of forest or roadside management and advising nature management organizations on reducing the effects of nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 areas is part of our work." Van der Staak concludes, "Operating nationwide, broadly oriented but extremely specialized in the field of ecology, that's what Staro Nature and Buitengebied stands for."