This meadow bird area has been arranged in recent years. With the signing of the management plan, the arrangement is officially completed.
Officials from the province of South Holland, Staatsbosbeheer, the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp, and the Delfland Water Authority signed the management plan for the Zuidpolder today. This meadow bird area has been arranged in recent years. Staatsbosbeheer will now manage the area.
Officials Sign the Management Plan
The parties worked together on the realization of the 110-hectare meadow bird area in the Zuidpolder of Delfgauw. Thanks to this collaboration, meadow birds get a safe place to breed and raise chicks. In addition, the open polder landscape is preserved, and new opportunities for sustainable agriculture arise. Officials from all parties signed the agreement.
Arno Bonte, deputy Nature of the province of South Holland: “After a long preparation, we now have an arranged and leased meadow bird area that we are proud of. This area is part of the Special Provincial Landscape, and we are committed to its preservation and further development. This way, the landscape gains extra meaning and value, not only for the meadow birds but also for the people who live and work here.”
Peter Hennevanger, councilor of the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp: “I would like to emphasize how valuable the open peat meadow landscape is with its expansive views and the characteristic ribbon of the hamlet of Oude Leede. At the same time, it is important that farmers and local entrepreneurs have the space to graze their cattle in their polder, amidst the meadow birds that make the area so unique.”
Peter Ouwendijk, Delfland Water Authoritys Director of Water Safety & Finance: “Thanks to this collaboration, the open polder landscape is preserved, and new opportunities for agricultural nature management also arise. Part of the area has been given a higher water level, and nature-friendly banks have been constructed.”
Staatsbosbeheer is now responsible for the management of the area, which also has a place for sustainable agriculture. Paul Laudy, head of Staatsbosbeheer South Holland: “Staatsbosbeheer is committed to agricultural nature management in the Zuidpolder. We have even hired a ranger for agricultural nature management to support the tenants in this.”
Background of the Area
In April 2022, a land exchange was completed, creating a contiguous habitat for meadow birds, surrounded by opportunities for sustainable agriculture. In 2024 and 2025, the meadow bird area was rearranged, including the creation of additional wet areas and nature-friendly banks. The arrangement of the area is now complete.
