The planting of a new forest on Voorne-Putten has begun. In the recreational area De Uitwaayer, Deputy Arno Bos planted the first trees together with alderman Martijn Hamerslag, schoolchildren, and volunteers. Eventually, about 28 hectares of additional forest will be created here. That is certainly 100,000 trees!
The new forest on Voorne-Putten is part of the national and South Holland forest strategy. This strategy states that it is important for a healthy living environment to plant more forest and improve existing forests. Trees are good for recreation, health, CO2 storage, biodiversity, and climate adaptation (counteracting heat stress and absorbing excess rain). At the start of the South Holland Forest and Tree Policy in 2020, only 3% of the province consisted of forest. For the province of South Holland, this is therefore an important contribution to keep the province healthy and attractive.
Forest planted for and by the new generation
The start of the forest planting in De Uitwaayer was a festive morning with dozens of enthusiastic volunteers. Children and local residents helped plant the young trees. They will hopefully enjoy this ‘new’ green environment for their entire lives. Deputy Arno Bonte (Nature) personally planted a tree together with group 5 students from Het Anker primary school: “It is nice to see so much enthusiasm from the community to help with the planting of this new forest area. Forests are important for a healthy living environment and a pleasant place to spend time. They are also an important habitat for many plants and animals. With the establishment of this forest, we contribute to a green and healthy future for people, animals, and plants. As a province, we want to plant one and a half million trees together with partners in the coming years. That will result in about 400 hectares of additional forest.”
Alderman Martijn Hamerslag of the municipality of Nissewaard, where De Uitwaayer is located, is very enthusiastic: “Nissewaard is becoming greener. It is good to see that we can contribute to this together with partners in this way. De Uitwaayer is a beautiful area used by many residents in various ways. The area will only become more beautiful with the planting of so many trees. Today, the first trees are planted, and in total, 750 trees and shrubs will be planted on this piece of land alone.”
Work has started, area remains accessible
Since December, work has been underway in the recreational area De Uitwaayer, located between Spijkenisse and Hekelingen. In the sub-area Nieuwe Uitslag, about 6 hectares (almost 9 soccer fields) of trees and shrubs will be planted. When planting, sight lines towards the Spui are taken into account. In the sub-area Willemspolder, soil improvement will begin before the summer of 2026. After that, planting of forest will also start there. The area remains partially accessible during the work. The forest expansion on Voorne-Putten is carried out by Staatsbosbeheer, on behalf of the recreational board Voorne-Putten. The project is co-financed by the province and the Buitenfonds.