Field research highlights the value of nature-inclusive practices at JUB Holland

New data confirms that flower bulb cultivation, under the right conditions, can offer vital habitat for farmland birds.

NOORDWIJKERHOUT – While farmland bird populations are declining across much of the Netherlands, they appear to be holding their own within the bulb-growing sector. Recent fieldwork by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and Living Lab B7 shows that Yellow Wagtails are successfully breeding on the fields of flower bulb grower JUB Holland. The results confirm what two decades of monitoring had already begun to suggest: with thoughtful landscape management, even intensively cultivated areas can harbour surprisingly rich biodiversity.

In spring 2024, four Yellow Wagtail nests were discovered across more than 16 hectares of JUB Holland’s bulb fields, containing a total of 22 eggs. No fewer than 20 chicks fledged successfully. Based on field observations, the actual number of nests is estimated at five to seven. This equates to a nesting density of 30.9 to 43.2 nests per 100 hectares – significantly higher than typical densities recorded in other arable regions of the Netherlands.

A Landscape that Works for Birds

As a strict insectivore, the Yellow Wagtail relies on abundant insect populations during the breeding season. Field observations reveal that these birds forage not only along ditches and vegetated banks, but also directly within bulb crops such as tulips and hyacinths. The combination of crop diversity, flower-rich vegetation around watercourses, and open field structures creates a favourable microclimate for insects – and therefore for the birds that depend on them.

Surprising Potential for Struggling Species

Doctoral researcher Hugo Langezaal (NIOO-KNAW), who led the study, sees these findings as highly relevant for broader research into agricultural biodiversity:

“The results at JUB Holland show that the bulb landscape holds far more ecological potential than many might expect – particularly for species that are struggling elsewhere, such as the Yellow Wagtail, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Skylark and Oystercatcher – the so-called ‘High Five’ of the Flower Bulb Region. Combined with long-term monitoring and robust fieldwork, these findings help identify what really works. This knowledge can guide efforts to enhance biodiversity in bulb cultivation, with specific attention to farmland birds and a shift toward more nature-inclusive agriculture.”

From Practical Experience to Long-Term Vision

JUB Holland has long invested in future-proof cultivation methods and biodiversity-enhancing measures, in partnership with organisations such as ANLV Geestgrond. Wildflower margins have been sown, ditch banks are mown in phases, and banks and borders have been designed with nature in mind. The company also developed a “stepping stone” – a small, ecologically valuable habitat with native herbs, shrubs and rough vegetation, aimed at supporting Grey Partridge but found to benefit many other species too. The wider farm environment includes duck nesting baskets and landscape-enhancing plantings.

According to Director Dolph Uittenbogaard, biodiversity is not a passing trend at JUB, but an integral part of the company’s philosophy:

“As a bulb grower, you are in the landscape every day – and that comes with a responsibility to look after it. At JUB, we’ve combined flower bulb cultivation with practical, nature-positive measures for years. This research shows that such an approach really delivers. It benefits the species, the region, and the long-term future of our profession.”

Local Knowledge, National Relevance

The results at JUB Holland align with twenty years of standardised bird counts carried out by ANLV Geestgrond, which show that species such as the Yellow Wagtail, Skylark and Grey Partridge are relatively well represented in the Flower Bulb Region. Now that these counts are being supplemented with concrete breeding data, a clearer picture is emerging of how local nature-inclusive measures can support species conservation.

Want to Learn More? The full blog by researcher Hugo Langezaal, including data, insights and practical recommendations, is available via the JUB Holland website.

JUB Holland | Royal supplier of colour since 1910 | From breeding and cultivation to curated design inspiration and turnkey planting solutions, this family-run business masters the entire flower bulb chain. JUB Holland grows its bulbs with care – and as sustainably as possible. Specialising in creative mixes focused on biodiversity and extended flowering, JUB brings the beauty of bulb flowers to parks, public spaces, and retail worldwide. Website JUB Holland / The Vibrant Verge

Hugo Langezaal MSc | PhD Candidate at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
Specialising in biodiversity restoration within the agricultural landscapes of the Dutch Dune and Bulb Region. A native of the area, Hugo blends local commitment with scientific expertise in aquatic ecology and ecosystem recovery. As part of Living Lab B7, he develops practical measures and ecological indicators to promote sustainable, biodiversity-friendly farming. NIOO KNAW