News
The municipality of Den Haag is restoring the unique nature in the Westduinpark. This investment in the dunes is made possible by a subsidy of 2.7 million from the province of South Holland and an additional investment of 1 million from the municipality. Alderman Robert Barker from Den Haag and Deputy Berend Potjer from the province of South Holland kicked off the work in the protected nature area on Wednesday.
Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare and Environment) of Den Haag is pleased with the significant investments in nature: ‘The Westduinpark is a unique and important European dune area with a rich diversity of plant and animal species. An area that many residents of The Hague are proud of and enjoy visiting. The Westduinpark also plays a vital role: it protects us against rising sea levels. Therefore, it is essential that we start restoring the nature now. We are grateful to the province of South Holland for their contribution to this important project.’
Deputy Berend Potjer from the province of South Holland: ‘The Westduinpark is a beautiful area where many plants and animals live that can only be found in nutrient-poor dune areas. The area is also important for residents of Den Haag who come here to recreate. To preserve the fragile nature in this area for the future, we need to take a number of measures now. It’s great that the municipality is committed to this, together with residents and other stakeholders. From the province, we support this both financially and with our knowledge of nature.’
Nature under pressure
The nature in the Westduinpark is not doing well, concluded the Ecological Authority earlier this year. This is due in part to nitrogen emissions and the growth of non-native plants that take over the space of local plants, such as blue sea thistle and creeping bentgrass. These non-natives also stabilize the dunes too much, which affects their natural dynamics and the quality of the dunes that are essential for coastal protection.
Nature restoration
To protect and promote local plants, the municipality has already removed invasive species like the Asian knotweed from various spots in the Westduinpark. This approach will continue. Local plants and trees, such as young oaks and hawthorns, will also be planted. Additionally, more marram grass will be planted to strengthen dune formation.