The Mokkebank is a new marshland developing along the Frisian IJsselmeer coast, which is why the existing nature reserve has been redesigned. In this project, It Fryske Gea collaborates with partners to create a more robust and species-rich coastal zone. The construction is part of the Strengthening Frisian IJsselmeer Coast program, in which the Province of Fryslân, municipalities, nature organizations, and water managers work together on nature restoration, climate adaptation, and experience. The new design of the area—with two marshes with a natural water level and the construction of a fish ladder and two wind turbines—provides an optimal habitat for birds and fish along the Frisian IJsselmeer coast. The birdwatching hut De Mok from It Fryske Gea was recently transported and thus moved—from one municipality to another within De Mokkebank. With the relocation of De Mok, the visitor experience of the nature reserve is now even more beautiful and traffic safety has also improved. Watch the video animation on this page to see how De Mokkebank works: Mokkebank – Laaksum - Frisian IJsselmeer Coast
The marsh can naturally develop into a habitat for birds and fish. The Mokkebank remains—as it has been so far—not accessible to visitors, but can be well seen from the Wieldyk and from the birdwatching hut De Mok and through excursions by It Fryske Gea. Alderman Henk de Boer of the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân: “How wonderful that the birdwatching hut De Mok is now in our municipality. Visitors can experience nature here in a unique way, while birds and fish have plenty of space. We are proud of it and will take good care of it so that this beautiful piece of nature is preserved for everyone.”
Paradise for Birds and Fish
The construction of two marsh areas, full of variety and with a natural water level, offers fish space to spawn. The hatched young fish can grow here and then move on to the IJsselmeer. This improves the fish population. The marsh areas provide an attractive habitat for birds such as the common tern, osprey, and bittern. Chris Bakker, director of It Fryske Gea: “For me, De Mokkebank is a place where you see what happens when water, wind, and people work together again. It is a beautiful, living landscape. And that visitors can soon see from De Mok how that marsh comes alive—that is what we do it for.”
Strengthening Frisian IJsselmeer Coast
The Mokkebank nature reserve is one of the largest subprojects of Strengthening Frisian IJsselmeer Coast. After an earlier delivery of the swimming ladder near Laaksum and the renovation of the Makkumer Noordwaard and the Plattedijk near Lemmer, this is one of the next completed projects. Next are the deliveries of the Workumerwaard and Stoenckherne. Near Workum, three projects are cleverly combined. A groyne will be built, the beach at It Soal will be improved, the water deepened, and the Workumer floodplain created.
Partners
Strengthening Frisian IJsselmeer Coast is a collaborative project between the national government and the region. Regionally, it involves cooperation between the Province of Fryslân, the municipalities of Súdwest-Fryslân and De Fryske Marren, and It Fryske Gea. These organizations are committed to erosion measures and improving ecological water quality. The project at the Mokkebank was made possible thanks to Vogelbescherming Nederland and the Nationale Postcode Loterij.
