As a province, we have approved the management plan for the Natura 2000 area Nieuwkoopse Plassen and De Haeck. This followed the Province of South Hollands final approval of the plan on December 2, 2025. The plan outlines the measures needed over the next six years to maintain or improve nature in the area.
Nieuwkoopse Plassen and De Haeck was designated a protected Natura 2000 area in 2013. Most of it lies in the Province of South Holland, which is the lead authority responsible for the area. The Schraalland langs de Meije part lies in the Province of Utrecht.
Rare bluegrassland
Nieuwkoopse Plassen and De Haeck consists of peat lakes with special aquatic plants, transitional peat, and marsh heath. It is an important breeding area for species such as the bittern, purple heron, bearded reedling, and reed warbler. The Utrecht part mainly contains rare bluegrassland. This name derives from the blue-green color of the plants growing there, such as the Spanish rider, blue sedge, and toothed sedge. Bluegrassland is important habitat for species like the silver moon, marsh grasshopper, and yellow wagtail. When bluegrassland disappears, these species also disappear.
Plan for six years
There are 162 Natura 2000 areas in the Netherlands. Ten of these lie (partly) in the Province of Utrecht. For each area, the lead authority must prepare a management plan every six years. The plan states which plants and animals must be protected, their status, and the measures needed to restore or maintain nature. It also provides a framework for permits and enforcement for activities in and around the area.
Nature restoration is needed
In many Natura 2000 areas, recent years have seen declines due to nitrogen and water system changes. This also applies to Nieuwkoopse Plassen and De Haeck. To restore nature in this area, various measures are needed: improving water quality, creating additional nature, reducing desiccation, and removing invasive species such as the black chokeberry.
external linkView the management plan Nieuwkoopse Plassen De Haeck on overheid.nl
For press information:
jytte.reichert@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 18 54 01 37