New 90-hectare nature reserve boosts rare wildlife near A12 motorway
A new 90-hectare nature reserve near Enkele Wiericke is creating vital habitats for rare species like bitterns and otters. Residents can now explore the area on foot or by bike, while improved water quality and biodiversity benefit the local ecosystem.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Abessinië Zuidzijderpolder, near Enkele Wiericke, South Holland |
| Size | 90 hectares |
| Key Species | Bittern, otter, rare reed birds, insects |
| Features | Reed marshes, wet shallow-water sections, wildlife passages under A12 |
| Groundwater Level | Higher, with regulated water levels |
| Management | Staatsbosbeheer, tenant farmers, Veenweiden Gouwe Wiericke programme |
| Water Quality Impact | Improved through new water system |
| Accessibility | Open for walking and cycling, minimal facilities for peace and nature |
The Province of South Holland, in collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer and local water boards, plays a key role in developing and managing nature reserves to enhance biodiversity and water quality. This project is part of broader efforts to strengthen the National Ecological Network across the Netherlands.
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More opportunities for bittern and otter in Abessinië Zuidzijderpolder
On either side of the A12, near Enkele Wiericke, new nature is being created. Have you ever wondered what those blue nets in the polder are for?
The transformation of the Abessinië and Zuidzijderpolder polders is clearly visible. On both sides of the A12, near Enkele Wiericke, the new nature can now fully develop. This will create areas where the bittern and other (rare) reed birds will settle in the reed marshes, and various animals, such as the otter, can move unseen from the Krimpenerwaard towards the Nieuwkoopse Plassen. The nature development has been realised by Staatsbosbeheer in collaboration with the Veenweiden Gouwe Wiericke programme bureau on behalf of the Province of South Holland.
Herbs and flowers
The new nature area covers 90 hectares. Thanks to the higher groundwater level and adjusted mowing policy, this nature area, with its special reed banks and wet shallow-water sections, will soon be teeming with herbs and flowers, attracting many insects. You will also hear various birds singing in the reeds.
Councillor Jan Leendert van den Heuvel is a member of the steering group of Veenweiden Gouwe Wiericke. The councillor considers the nature development in Abessinië Zuidzijderpolder an example of how this can be achieved in consultation with the local community. “Thanks to the excellent collaboration, the local community has been kept well informed, and you can now explore these polders on foot or by bike. There are information points, but at the same time facilities have been deliberately kept to a minimum. After all, peace and space for nature and local residents are important. This project shows that nature development and the local community can go hand in hand: thanks to good collaboration with residents, tenant farmers and partners, with Staatsbosbeheer as the driving force behind the project.”
Otters and bitterns
Arno Bonte, Deputy for Nature in the Province of South Holland, describes the new nature in Abessinië Zuidzijderpolder as an important step in strengthening the Netherlands’ National Ecological Network in South Holland. “These nearly 100 hectares of peat meadow nature make South Holland greener and more beautiful once again. The area connects the Nieuwkoopse and Reeuwijkse Plassen, giving plants and animals more space. At the same time, we are improving water quality and tackling subsidence.”
The new nature consists largely of moist hay meadows and herb- and wildlife-rich grasslands. Reed marshes have also been planted, which can be seen from the A12 motorway by the blue nets. “We use these nets to protect the young plants and give the reeds the chance to grow, so that the shy bittern, like in Oukoop, can settle here,” explains Karen te Boom, Director of Staatsbosbeheer. She adds: “Along the nature-friendly banks, reeds will grow, allowing animals such as otters to move through the area unseen. The wildlife passages already built under the A12 also help with this.” Staatsbosbeheer will manage most of the land, which belongs to them, together with the tenant farmers.
Rewetting with reed marshes
With the new layout, the area is becoming wetter, and weirs and inlets have been installed to regulate the water level. The water system has also been designed to significantly improve water quality in the area. “It’s wonderful to see how the work on new nature and water quality come together here. Thanks to the new layout, biodiversity is increasing further and rare species are returning. That’s a win for nature and for water quality,” says Hans Schouffoer, Dike Reeve at the Rijnland District Water Board.
In the photo from left to right: Hans Schouffoer (Dike Reeve of Rijnland), Karen te Boom (Director of Staatsbosbeheer), Arno Bonte (Deputy for Nature in the Province of South Holland), Jan Leendert van den Heuvel (Councillor of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk), Erik van Heijningen (Chair of the Steering Group Veenweiden Gouwe Wiericke). Photo: Fred Libochant.