The province allocates an additional € 5 million in subsidies to improve the nature network in Laag Holland (the area north of Amsterdam).

The funds are intended for farmers, land managers, and nature organizations that want to work on more and stronger nature in the area. 

With the subsidy, the province supports landowners and their tenants in terminating long-term lease agreements within the nature network in Laag Holland. These lease agreements often do not take nature goals into account. If tenants voluntarily work more extensively or relocate, nature in those areas can be strengthened. For example, by using less fertilizer or raising the water level.

Buyout of lease

The subsidy is compensation for the tenant for income loss due to the termination of the lease agreement. The basis for the subsidy is an agreement between the tenant and the landlord. From September 1, 2025, landowners in Laag Holland can apply for the subsidy through the provinces subsidy portal.   

The subsidy scheme applies to the nature network in these 4 Natura 2000 areas: 

  • Eilandspolder
  • Polder Westzaan
  • Wormer- and Jisperveld & Kalverpolder
  • Ilperveld, Varkensland, Oostzanerveld & Twiske

Front-runner project

With this additional subsidy, the province aims to complete the Nature Network Netherlands (NNN) in Laag Holland more quickly. It is one of the front-runner projects in the rural area of North Holland. These are measures that can be implemented quickly and contribute to the goals for nature, water, and climate and sustainable agriculture. 

More information about the scheme Lease buyout and purchase of NNN areas Front-runner project Laag Holland can be found in the Subsidy portal.