For the official kickoff of the nature management self-realization in Steinse Groen, the first shovel went into the ground on July 4 at the Hofstede Kloosterstein farm of the Van der Stok family. This involves 14 hectares that strengthen the ecological connection between the Natura 2000 areas Broekvelden, Vettenbroek, Polder Stein, and the Krimpenerwaard.

Together with Jari, Minke, and Henk van der Stok, deputies Berend Potjer and Frank Rijkaart symbolically turned the first shovel of earth at the location where the new nature will be created. “Its wonderful to give the green light today for the nature management of the last part of Steinse Groen together with Frank Rijkaart.

The Van der Stok family has managed to incorporate nature into their agricultural business. Therefore, nature has become the future for their beautiful 135-year-old farm. They have created 14 hectares of biodiversity, which used to be quite natural on farms. An ideal habitat for special small mammals and our beautiful meadow birds,” said Berend Potjer. Deputy Frank Rijkaart adds: “The Van der Stok family shows how nature and agriculture can strengthen each other. By giving nature management a fixed place within their business operations, they invest in the future of their enterprise and the quality of the landscape. This way, they are leading the way in a sustainable farming method that inspires.”

Herb-rich grassland

The new nature will remain part of the agricultural operations of Henk, Jari, and Minke van der Stok. The herb-rich crop of the nature strip can be used as feed for the horses after mowing. To make the self-realization possible, the land has been downgraded to nature land and is now part of the Nature Network Netherlands. This has been made possible by subsidies from the Province of South Holland. The land remains the property of the Van der Stok family, who will continue to manage it after the nature management.

The design of the nature strip on the east side of the Steinse Groen recreation area consists of the construction of several ditches with nature-friendly banks, sometimes covered with reed marsh. There are also various ponds and wetland areas. This will create an ideal habitat for animals such as the otter and the green darner (a dragonfly species). The herb-rich grassland around the water will likely benefit meadow birds such as the lapwing, redshank, and black-tailed godwit.

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