North Holland dune reserve
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NSG North Holland Dune Reserve
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| location | North Holland , Netherlands | |
| surface | 52.42 | |
| WDPA ID | 555589338 | |
| Natura 2000 ID | 555537047 | |
| FFH area | 52.04 | |
| Geographical location | 52 ° 36 ' N , 4 ° 38' E | |
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| Setup date | 1998 | |
| administration | Provinciaal Waterleiding Bedrijf Noord-Holland (PWN) | |
The North Holland Dune Reserve ( Dutch Noordhollands Duinreservaat ) is an extensive nature reserve in the dune belt on the North Sea in the Dutch province of North Holland . It extends from the Schoorlser dunes in the north to Wijk aan Zee in the south. With around 5200 hectares, it is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands .
nature
The area is about 20 kilometers long and 2.5 km wide and is interspersed with pristine dunes, oak and pine forests, ponds, ponds and plenty of space for bird life. Due to the vastness and the varied vegetation, there is a multitude of plant and animal species. Some areas are temporarily z. B. closed to the public during the breeding season. In the northern part near Bergen aan Zee and in the southern part near Castricum , forests are predominant. In the area in between around Egmont aan Zee there are mostly dune areas.
Large numbers of Scottish highland cattle were released in the dune reserve to prevent the formation of forest areas. Despite their frightening-looking horns, the animals are very peaceful and contribute to the primeval atmosphere. Furthermore, wild horses can also be seen.
tourism
The initial reserve was opened to the public. Several well-developed bike and hiking trails lead through the dunes, which are approved for wheelchairs and electric bicycles. A circular route marked with stakes over 12 kilometers opens up z. B. the area between Egmont aan Zee and the neighboring municipality of Bergen aan Zee. The North Sea Cycle Route also crosses the dune reserve. In the south you can take a bike excursion beyond the reserve border to the port of IJmuiden . The North Sea Canal ends there , coming from the port in Amsterdam , at a large lock system for seagoing ships. The proximity of Tata Steel's large steelworks is impressive .
In order to be allowed to enter the nature reserve, one must purchase a "Duincard" for a fee from one of the local tourist offices (VVV) or from the machines in the car parks.
A special feature is Il Primo near Bergen: a ski slope on a dune in the middle of the forest. A real Austrian ski hut exudes a bit of winter sports atmosphere.
Water extraction
The North Holland Dune Reserve plays an important role in the production of drinking water . Since 1920 Provinciaal Waterleiding Bedrijf Noord-Holland (PWN) has been taking groundwater from the dune area and treating it for drinking water purposes . It now supplies almost all of North Holland and the island of Texel . In order to compensate for the water abstraction and to raise the groundwater level, the PWN operates the infiltration of treated surface water at three points , which is fed through pipes from the IJsselmeer and the Lek . The sand filtration ensures natural cleaning so that good drinking water can be provided. A larger infiltration system is located south of Castricum aan Zee.
The PWN was also assigned the management of the dune area, which means that the company is also responsible for maintaining the nature reserve. The visitor center "De Hoep" in Castricum provides information about the technology of the water supply .
photos
sand dune
Forest and heather area
Infiltration area
near Castricum looking south with the IJmuiden steelworks
near mountains
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Web links
- North Holland Dune Reserve near PWN, (Dutch)
- The De Hoep visitor center
- World Database on Protected Areas - conservation area Nordholländisches Dune Reserve (English)
- World Database on Protected Areas - FFH area North Holland Dune Reserve (English)