There was a fence on the Zandpoort nature bridge to prevent too many fallow deer from the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes entering the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Now that the fallow deer population is at the desired level, the nature bridge can also be opened for fallow deer.

Connection of nature areas 

The Zandpoort nature bridge is one of three nature bridges in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. This bridge connects the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes (AWD) with Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The nature bridge ensures that animals, from hedgehogs and rabbits to lizards, beetles, and even butterflies, can cross safely. This provides them with more living space, access to food and shelter, and makes it easier to find a suitable partner. It also reduces the risk of animal casualties caused by road and rail traffic. Additionally, plant species benefit from the connection between nature areas because animals carry seeds in their fur to new locations. Monitoring shows that small animal species have been using the nature bridge for years.  

Target population of fallow deer reached 

In the past, there were significantly more fallow deer in the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes than in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. After the most recent fallow deer count, it was found that through joint population management, the target population level of deer on both sides has almost been reached. This means that the involved organizations Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, PWN, and Waternet have agreed to remove the fence before the end of 2025.  Population management remains necessary to prevent the number of fallow deer from becoming too high again. However, the number of animals managed annually has decreased. 

Electric fence for Scottish Highland cattle 

There is still another fence on the bridge. It is an electric fence to keep the Scottish Highland cattle from Koningshof there. It is a fence made of sheep wire, 1.20 meters high. Small animals can pass through the fence, and roe deer and fallow deer can simply jump over it.  

Monitoring continues 

It is expected that the fallow deer will not massively cross the nature bridge now. The number of deer is now significantly smaller, and research shows that deer usually stay in their familiar habitat. It is important to closely monitor the behavior of the fallow deer. The managing organizations do this using wildlife cameras, analyses, and physical checks by forest rangers.