Research in Saeftinghe’s Field Station

General

The field station is located at the end of the Gas Dam in “Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe”. The building is split in two – one half is used by researchers; the other half is for meetings.
Saeftinghe is part of the Natura 2000 area “De Westerschelde & Saeftinghe” and is not freely accessible.

There are three bedrooms, each with a bunk bed. Two beds (1 female, 1 male) are reserved for bird ringers, so four other researchers can stay overnight.
In general, males and females have separate rooms. Any variations to this rule must be agreed by individuals beforehand.
Duvets and pillows are provided (you will need to bring your own bottom sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover or sleeping bag)
Extra sleeping spaces either on the living area sofa, or on your (own) camping mat in a bedroom, are available only on request.
The living area is simply furnished with a table, chairs and sofa.
There is no Wi-Fi available, but there is running water and electricity
Heating is via infrared panels, and an electric heater is available for additional heating.
There is a bathroom and shower with hot water.
A kitchenette is located in the living area and is equipped with an electric hob, coffee maker, kettle, pans, crockery and cutlery.
Basic items such as toilet paper and cleaning products are provided.
Users must bring their own food and drinks (also think of sugar, milk, spices, oil, butter, etc.).

In principle, the researchers half of the field station is available for bookings all year round.
Researchers are defined as:
- Bird ringers and assistants affiliated with Saeftinghe Bird Ringing Station.
- Professional researchers from research institutes and/or commercial agencies.
- Professional researchers and students from universities and universities of applied sciences.
- HZL field staff.
Applications will be assessed by the ecology team, based on a submitted research proposal, and coordinated with the South Zeeland management team. Requests will be approved if the research proposal is considered appropriate and/or relevant and are subject to facility availability.
A financial compensation of 20 € is charged per night per person. This contribution only covers the cost of the stay – no profit is made by Het Zeeuwse Landschap. No financial compensation is required for research questions/assignments from HZL, for researchers belonging to Saeftinghe Ringing Station, or for student researchers.
All permits are granted on the condition that all research results are shared with HZL after completion of the research.

An application to stay in the field station must be made at least 6 weeks before the start of the study via veldstation@hetzeeuwselandschap.nl + cc to jacowalhout@hetzeeuwselandschap.nl
The application and research proposal must include:
- A specific description of the research, including research question/s, objectives, methods, and equipment, and a detailed breakdown of the locations being used. In which period you want to do research (and whether or not this includes weekends)
- On what dates and times research takes place
- On which dates you want to use the field station
- On which dates you want to spend the night at the field station
- The number of people + the names, gender and phone numbers of the people who want to stay overnight at the field station
- The name of the institute or company you work for/conduct research for
Applications will receive a positive or negative decision within two weeks.
In the event of a positive decision, the applicant must apply for a residence permit and area entry via vergunningen@hetzeeuwselandschap.nl
The applicant(s) will receive a permit within two weeks

Information about the key (for accessing the Gas Dam) and code (for accessing the field station) will be shared in the confirmation email. This information is confidential and may not be shared with third parties.
Due to the limited parking space at the field station itself, and to keep disruption and the environmental impact as low as possible, you are requested to carpool. This is also possible from the car park at the Saeftinghe Visitor Centre, a few kilometres away.
The accommodation (bedrooms, showers, living area, kitchen) must be left clean and tidy after use, ready for the next user. This includes basic cleaning and hoovering, leaving dishes, pans and the fridge clean.
Please take all rubbish with you and ensure that no food or personal belongings are left behind.