South Holland secures future of Bentwoud: 800-hectare recreational forest gets long-term care
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 2.5 million trees and 80 km of trails until at least 2029, preserving green space for relaxation and nature.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 800 hectares (largest contiguous recreational forest in South Holland) |
| Location | Between Zoetermeer, Benthuizen, and Boskoop; within Alphen aan den Rijn and Waddinxveen |
| Ownership | Province of South Holland (2/3), Staatsbosbeheer (1/3) |
| Features | 2.5 million trees, 80+ km walking/cycling paths, diverse landscapes |
| Agreement Duration | Until at least 2029 |
| Parties Involved | Province of South Holland, Staatsbosbeheer, Alphen aan den Rijn, Waddinxveen, Zoetermeer |
| Future Plans | Forest revitalization, improved paths, ecological connections |
The Province of South Holland oversees regional spatial planning and nature conservation, ensuring recreational areas like Bentwoud remain accessible and well-maintained. Staatsbosbeheer, as the national forestry agency, manages public green spaces, balancing recreation and biodiversity under government mandates.
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New agreements for an attractive Bentwoud
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 accord for the management and maintenance of the largest contiguous recreational forest in South Holland.
Covering 800 hectares, Bentwoud is the largest contiguous recreational forest in the province. A new cooperation agreement between the municipalities, Staatsbosbeheer, and the province guarantees proper maintenance of the area. Good management is crucial for the 2.5 million planted trees and over 80 kilometers of walking and cycling paths. Despite financial challenges, this new agreement ensures management of the area until at least 2029.
Pleased with new agreements
Alphen aan den Rijn, Waddinxveen, and Zoetermeer, together with the province and Staatsbosbeheer, are committed to ensuring that Bentwoud remains an attractive area for both recreational visitors and local plant and animal species.
Provincial executive Anne Koning is pleased with the new agreements. “As the owner of a large part of the area, South Holland considers it very important that people can truly enjoy the greenery and stay active here,” she explains. “These new agreements ensure that. Together, we are transforming Bentwoud from a young recreational area into a forest that is indispensable in South Holland.”
Valuable green space
Bentwoud is located between the urban centers of Zoetermeer, Benthuizen, and Boskoop, and within the municipal boundaries of Alphen aan den Rijn and Waddinxveen. Two-thirds of the area is owned by the Province of South Holland, while Staatsbosbeheer owns the remaining third. “Bentwoud is a beautiful recreational area and a great example of how nature management and recreation go hand in hand,” says Paul Laudy, Head of Staatsbosbeheer South Holland. “Staatsbosbeheer is pleased with this collaboration with the province and the municipalities. So close to the city, it is vital that we work together to strengthen valuable green spaces and improve the well-being of our residents.”
Municipal policy
For neighboring municipalities, Bentwoud is an important recreational area, as reflected in their municipal policies. Zoetermeer, for example, describes in its Spatial Strategy the development of a contiguous green ring around the city, of which Bentwoud is a part. Marijke van der Meer, Alderman for Nature and Environment in Zoetermeer, says: “Bentwoud is right around the corner from Zoetermeer. It is one of the parks on the outskirts of our city, offering recreational opportunities, nature, and green space to Zoetermeer’s residents—and certainly to visitors from the wider region. Caring for these parks is a major and important task. By signing the Bentwoud Cooperation Agreement, we are continuing our joint efforts to maintain this beautiful area.”
For Alphen aan den Rijn, Bentwoud is one of its ABBA icons (Archeon, Bentwoud, Boskoop, Avifauna). “By signing this new cooperation agreement, we are taking an important step toward further developing Bentwoud as the gateway to the Green Heart. This beautiful natural area has that potential, thanks to its location and the opportunities for recreation and nature development,” says Relus Breeuwsma, Alderman for Recreation and Tourism in Alphen aan den Rijn.
The environmental vision and municipal council of Waddinxveen also recognize Bentwoud as one of the qualities most valued by residents. “Bentwoud is a recreational area with stunning nature where more and more Waddinxveen residents enjoy walking and cycling, right on their doorstep,” says Albert Kerssies, Alderman for Nature and Recreation in Waddinxveen. “With this new agreement, we have solid plans to work together for a beautiful Bentwoud for everyone. And, in the long term, we hope to create an ecological connection zone with the new Vredenburg zone.”
Ambitions
Today, Bentwoud is a popular and important recreational area. With its forests, shrubs, flower-rich grasslands, wetlands, and open spaces, the area boasts a diverse landscape. However, it is not yet complete. The Bentwoud Development Perspective from 2022 outlines several ambitions for the area.
Projects such as forest revitalization, a forest management plan, and improvements to cycling and walking paths will significantly upgrade Bentwoud, ensuring it continues to develop as a recreational area with abundant nature in the years to come. Kerssies adds: “In addition to the agreements in the cooperation accord, Waddinxveen, as part of the development program, will continue working on better accessibility and visibility of Bentwoud, and we will seek connections with surrounding areas.”
Natural relaxation for everyone
As a mature and vibrant forest, Bentwoud offers natural relaxation for everyone: various trails and routes for active individuals, challenging mountain bike and training routes for sports enthusiasts, and a recreational zone where peace and nature take center stage for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. “Bentwoud is an oasis in the heart of the Randstad, and we in South Holland can be very proud of it,” concludes Provincial executive Koning.