The Nature Area Zuilen will become more accessible for visitors by implementing traffic measures, improving entrances, and creating more walking paths. The tranquility will be preserved, nature values improved, and agriculture made more nature-inclusive. The city council approved the plans and the design.
Linda Voortman, alderman for Green: “In developing the plans, we have tried to keep as much in mind as possible what Nature Area Zuilen already is: a place where Utrecht residents like to come. Tranquility and nature are important elements. Besides making the area more accessible and bringing cultural history back into the area, a new balance between agriculture and nature will be achieved. By giving space to more different types of trees, flowers, plants, insects, and other animals, and also by making agriculture nature-inclusive.”
image: impression of Nature Area Zuilen
Better Accessible
The municipality will make the area better reachable from the city. The Vechtdijk will be made car-free, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians. There will also be a new crossing over the Fransiscusdreef and new entrances with benches, natural play elements, and information boards. In the area, walking and running will soon be possible along new (and marked) routes. The municipality wants to preserve the Slingerbos-Manitobabos as a quiet area and proposes a new walking route around the gardening association Ons Genot. A sports zone at the Manitobadreef has also been drawn in the design and is set up as a bike street.
Residents and (future) users have previously contributed to the plan. This spring, about 2000 stakeholders provided input. This has led to a design that boosts nature and allows more Utrecht residents to enjoy this beautiful area, with respect for the unique character and history of the area
With the farmer in the area, long-term agreements have also been made this spring, broadening his role from tenant to area partner.
Planning
Now that the city council has made a decision, the municipality will work on a detailed design. Additionally, on Tuesday evening, October 14, a meeting will take place for residents, organizations, and interested parties (in the shed of Fort aan de Klop (1e Polderweg 4) between 19:00 and 21:00). In 2026, preparations for the implementation of the work will start, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.
Read more on the page about Nature Area Zuilen
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