These works are part of the Schil Naardermeer project; a collaboration of the province of North Holland, Water Board Amstel, Gooi and Vecht, and Natuurmonumenten to make the Naardermeer future-proof. Depending on the weather, the works are expected to be completed by March 2026.

Because the area around the Naardermeer – the so-called shell – is currently not wet enough, some plants and animals in the Naardermeer are at risk of disappearing. Therefore, a buffer zone is being established around the Naardermeer. This zone will provide more space for extensive reed fields and allow the water level to rise slightly in a natural way. This will create a reed landscape in which the quality of nature and water improves, and the habitat for specific species such as the purple heron and great reed warbler is expanded. 

Restrictions for walkers and cyclists

During the execution period, the walking paths in the Nieuwe Keverdijkse Polder-North and -South will be inaccessible. As a result, the long walking route Rondje Naardermeer (19 km) will temporarily be impassable. It is expected that this route will be walkable again in the course of 2026. An alternative route to the mill is indicated on the Natuurmonumenten website: Alternative Rondje Naardermeer.
The Keverdijk and the cycling paths will remain accessible. To ensure safety, the contractor will place traffic signs to warn road users of transport traffic. Where necessary, passing places will be created so that (bike) traffic can safely pass the work.

What does it yield? 

Through the new design of the Nieuwe Keverdijkse Polder North and South, we can retain rainwater and seepage (water from the underground) for longer and the surface water level can gradually (and more importantly: in a natural way) rise in the coming years. This will make this area wetter and allow more and stronger reeds to grow that stand with their feet in the water. With the development of this water reed, we create suitable habitats for the great reed warbler, a species that has disappeared from the Naardermeer. The purple heron can also find new breeding grounds here. Various dragonfly species, moor frogs, and grass snakes will benefit from the wetter environment. Species that are under pressure nationally and also in the Naardermeer. 

A future-proof Naardermeer 

The nature of the Naardermeer is under pressure due to, for example, infrastructure, nitrogen, and weather extremes. With the new design, the much-needed expansion of the habitat of bird species such as the purple heron, reed warbler, and beard warbler will occur in the shell around the Naardermeer. Many birds, as well as otters and deer, can find their food here. And in the water reed, many birds are expected to breed. Hopefully, even the great reed warbler will return to the Naardermeer. The water-rich nature that will develop here is very desirable among the mentioned (bird) species and quickly attracts a lot of life. 

Location and measures

Work will be carried out in the polders north of the railway line and east of the Keverdijk and the Fishing Path (Nieuwe Keverdijkse Polder-North). At the same time, work will be done in the area between the Kreugerlaan and the railway line (Nieuwe Keverdijkse Polder-South). The contractor will raise and construct dikes (small dikes around the Naardermeer, along the Keverdijk and behind the Kreugerlaan). A number of dams, weirs, and other components of the water system will also be adjusted. 

The province of North Holland works closely with the Water Board Amstel, Gooi and Vecht, and Natuurmonumenten in the Schil Naardermeer project.

More information 

If you want to know more about the Schil Naardermeer project and the planning of the works, visit our page about the project