The construction of the nature zone between Wassenaar and Katwijk has begun. A green area with great attention to plants and animals is being created. The Province of South Holland provides financial support and collaborates with local partners.
Various organizations are working together to establish a green zone in the ‘Tussenzone’ between Wassenaar and Katwijk. To emphasize this collaboration, domain director Miranda Diependaal (Province of South Holland), aldermen Wim Koetsier (Wassenaar) and Gerard Mostert (Katwijk), Marjon Lemmers-Verkleij (Water Board Rijnland), and program director Martijn van Berkel (Rijksvastgoedbedrijf) jointly dug a waterway and planted a tree.
Natural Highway for Animals
The green Tussenzone is part of a nature connection that will eventually run from Lentevreugd to the Valkenburg Lake. This will serve as a “natural highway.” Animals such as butterflies, dragonflies, fish, and other species can move more easily and gain a larger habitat. The Province of South Holland contributes financially to this connection, which is part of the Dutch Nature Network.
Domain director Miranda Diependaal spoke on behalf of Arno Bonte, Deputy for Nature of South Holland: “This Tussenzone is an important link in the green connection between the dunes and the Green Heart. This way, we work towards a healthy green living environment where people and animals can enjoy. It is also nice that the link with cultural history is made: the nature zone follows the contours of the national monument Tankgracht. This Tankgracht is being dug out again. This way, we combine nature and culture.”
Forest and Water
Between the Tankgracht and the new Valkenhorst neighborhood, a forest will also be created. This forest is intended for animals such as the pine marten, squirrel, and bat. Many trees were cut down for the construction of the RijnlandRoute, and this must be compensated by planting trees, green strips, and new nature. Space has been found for this in the Tussenzone. Moreover, this new nature connects to the ecological corridor around the A44, which was created by the RijnlandRoute project.
The nature zone from dune to Valkenburg Lake will be extended eastward in the coming years. Along the Bunkerbos, small ponds and marsh areas will be created so that insects and small mammals can better reach Valkenburg Lake.
