South Holland secures future of Bentwoud: 800-hectare forest gets maintenance boost until 2029
Residents of Alphen aan den Rijn, Waddinxveen, and Zoetermeer can continue enjoying Bentwoud, South Holland’s largest recreational forest. A new agreement ensures maintenance of 800 hectares of green space, 2.5 million trees, and 80 km of trails, despite financial challenges.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 800 hectares (largest contiguous recreational forest in South Holland) |
| Trees | 2.5 million planted trees |
| Trails | Over 80 kilometres of walking and cycling paths |
| Parties Involved | Province of South Holland, Staatsbosbeheer, municipalities of Alphen aan den Rijn, Waddinxveen, and Zoetermeer |
| Agreement Duration | Until at least 2029 |
| Connected Areas | Gouwebos, Voorofsche Polder, Bloemendaal polder, ’t Weegje, Vredenburgh |
| Goal | Improve accessibility and create a green belt around Waddinxveen |
The Province of South Holland is responsible for regional spatial planning and environmental management, including the upkeep of recreational areas like Bentwoud. Staatsbosbeheer, as the national forestry service, manages public nature reserves, ensuring their accessibility and ecological value for citizens.
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Agreement on Maintenance of Bentwoud Signed
New agreements ensure that Bentwoud remains a high-quality recreational area. The Province of South Holland, Staatsbosbeheer (State Forestry Service), and the municipalities of Alphen aan den Rijn, Waddinxveen, and Zoetermeer have signed an agreement for the management and maintenance of the largest contiguous recreational forest in South Holland.
Bentwoud is the largest contiguous recreational forest in the province, covering 800 hectares
With a new collaborative agreement between municipalities, Staatsbosbeheer, and the province, the area is guaranteed proper maintenance. For the 2.5 million planted trees and over 80 kilometres of walking and cycling paths, effective management is crucial. Despite financial challenges, this new agreement ensures management of the area until at least 2029.
Bentwoud: a beautiful recreational area
More and more residents of Waddinxveen are discovering Bentwoud. Close to home, they can enjoy walking, cycling, and the tranquillity of nature. The new collaborative agreement establishes clear terms for maintaining Bentwoud, ensuring it remains an attractive and accessible recreational area for everyone.
Improving connections with surrounding areas
To enhance accessibility and visibility of Bentwoud, efforts are being made to improve connections with surrounding natural areas, such as Gouwebos. Although these areas are currently separated by the Noordeinde road, a direct link could offer significant benefits for recreation and nature appreciation.
A green belt around Waddinxveen
The potential connection between Bentwoud and Gouwebos aligns with the ambition to surround Waddinxveen with a green belt. In addition to Bentwoud and Gouwebos to the north and west, this includes natural areas such as the Voorofsche Polder, Bloemendaal polder, ’t Weegje, and the Vredenburgh zone. Together, these areas form a network of nature and recreation, offering ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors.