Riverine valleys in Flanders used to be characterized by a high species richness. Species richnes was a reflection of a high diversity in the abiotioc environment. However, due to intensification of the agricultural methods, nivelation of the abiotic environment occured. Hence, many species became (very) rare or even disappeared.The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of intensive agricultural landuse on the abiotic environment and species diversity. Furthermore, the possibilities for recovery will be evaluated. Scenario’s will be tested, a minimal scenario and a optimal scenario. The minimal scenario will assume intensive landuse in the valley while the optimal scenario will assume no intensive agricultural landuse.