Thursday, 5 October 2023

Field trips

A wide range of field trips is organized. Each trip will be inspiring and enable participants to learn and also share their experiences.
During the outward journey to National Parks and sites located in and around the Wadden Sea area, interpretive guidance about different landscape features will be provided by students.

Buses will leave Leeuwarden depending on the Fieldtrip between 07.00 and 09.00 CET. The busses will be in front of the Hotel Westcord WTC Leeuwarden.

Upon registration you can sign up for your field trip. Be quick to register, as fieldtrips registration is on a first come first serve basis. 

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

1. NP Nieuw Land: Markerwadden

Welcome to Nieuw Land National Park, the world’s largest man-made nature park!

The Nieuw Land National Park owes its existence to the planet’s largest ever land reclamation project: the draining of the Zuiderzee to create the land which eventually became Flevoland!

 Close to the densely populated metropolitan region of Amsterdam you will find one of the Netherlands’ best kept secrets: the Nieuw Land National Park. A young national park filled with nature’s richness. It is made up of four areas: Lepelaarplassen, Marker Wadden, Oostvaardersplassen and the Markermeer lake.

Set foot on ‘new land’

An excursion to the Marker Wadden is a ‘once in a lifetime experience’. It is a unique project aimed at assisting the recovery of the Markermeer lake’s natural environment, by creating a series of islands from sand, clay and sediment dredged from the Markermeer lake’s bottom. This incredible technological accomplishment has become famous around the world. On the Marker Wadden, you can make beautiful walks past three new bird hides, an impressive watch tower, the harbour’s beach and the North beach.

https://www.nationaalparknieuwland.nl/en

https://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/projecten/marker-wadden/english-version

Focus landschapstype: island in a lake / building with nature

Fitness level participant: medium

2. NP Nieuw Land: Oostvaardersplassen

Welcome to Nieuw Land National Park, the world’s largest man-made nature park!

The Nieuw Land National Park owes its existence to the planet’s largest ever land reclamation project: the draining of the Zuiderzee to create the land which eventually became Flevoland!

 Close to the densely populated metropolitan region of Amsterdam you will find one of the Netherlands’ best kept secrets: the Nieuw Land National Park. A young national park filled with nature’s richness. It is made up of four areas: Lepelaarplassen, Marker Wadden, Oostvaardersplassen and the Markermeer lake.

Witness the sea eagle in the Oostvaardersplassen

This excursion will leave you breathless; originally pencilled in as an industrial zone, today it is an area where tens of thousands of birds land to rest and feed or find a breeding and nesting ground. You can also come across animals such as wild cattle, horses and red deer here.

https://www.nationaalparknieuwland.nl/en

https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en/locaties/3813408546/the-oostvaardersplassen-nature-reserve

Focus landschapstype:  man made land /land reclamation / periurban area

Fitness level participant: low

3. NP Zuid Kennemerland

Landscape as a carrier for futureproof watersafety, sustainable drinking water extraction, resilience nature and visitor management, also in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region!

The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is an attractive pearl of estates, forest and dunes between Amsterdam and the North Sea. In a circle of 25 km around the National Park live 2,5 million people and especially the 600,000 residents visit the Park frequently. Despite centuries of threats the landscape and nature have been well preserved and 40% of national biodiversity can be found in the National Park.

However, the National Park is still under great pressure. Climate change causes sea level rise and the dunes and surrounding become wetter. Due to largescale input of nitrogen, the soil acidifier and the dunes become overgrown by grasses and shrubs. The population in the Metropolitan Area Amsterdam and coastal tourism will grow highly and recreational pressure at the National Park will increase sharply.

 

Due to nature based solutions of blowing dunes on the coast, the National Park contributes to greater safety against sea level rise. By connecting the National Park in landscape, water and nature with green areas in the region, the National Park becomes more resilient and more robust. Making these green areas open for walks by residents, visitors can be better spread across the region and the dune can be relieved of the high recreational pressure.

This National Park is similar to a periurban park.

https://www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl/299/national-park-zuidkennemerland

Focus landschapstype: dunes / drinking water /  periurban park

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

4. NP Lauwersmeer

Lauwersmeer National Park: Bird paradise on the former seafloor

Due to fears for flooding the former Lauwerssea was cut off (In 1969) from the Waddensea by a seadike. A beautiful nature area was lost. But a wonderful new nature area was formed: Lauwersmeer National Park. The area is particular famous for its rich diversity in birdlife. The magnificent whitetailed eagle breeds in the area together with a hundred other species.

During this excursion we will inform you about the nature values of the area. We will sail the Lauwersmeer in a traditional sailing vessel. But we will also inform you about the actions taken to improve the quality of nature and to enforce a sustainable economy in the area. We will visit the former fishing town of Zoutkamp and learn more about the transition of this town from fishing to (sustainable) recreation. And we will visit the harbor of Lauwersoog to hear more about the development of a sustainable harbor (e.g. nature development, energy transition).

Together we are working on a sustainable area where plants, animals and people live harmoniously together. We’re looking forward to meet you and to show you more about the National Park we are so proud of!

https://www.np-lauwersmeer.nl/english-information/

Focus landschapstype: Wadden sea / former sea / silt nature

Fitness level participant: small

5. NP Weerribben-Wieden

Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where nature and humans go hand in hand!

At over 10,000 hectares, Weerribben-Wieden National Park is the largest continuous bog in Northwest Europe. A labyrinth of pools, lakes, canals, mysterious moor woods, expansive reed plots and grasslands abounding with flowers. It is a breeding ground for exceptional plant and animal species and a base for sailing, cycling, and walking visitors. The ecological value of the National Park has international fame. It is home to species of plant and animal that depend on the bog. Water and bog plants such as water soldiers, water lilies and round-leaved sundew feel at home here, while the yellow iris, cuckoo flower and cottongrass add more colour to the landscape. The National Park houses almost the entire Dutch population of some species of animals, like the large copper butterfly and the Norfolk damselfly. Thanks to the excellent water quality, Weerribben-Wieden has been the habitat of the otter since 2002.The Council of Europe has awarded the National Park the European Diploma of Protected Areas in the context of the Bern Convention.

Weerribben-Wieden was made by human hands. A cultural landscape. From the middle of the 16th century, peat cutters started their work. The wet peat mud was dried on small strips of land, the so-called ribs. This resulted in the rectangular landscape layout of peat ponds (weren) and ribs (peat dykes) that were used to dry and transport the peat. Overintensive peat cutting led to overly narrow peat dykes that, affected by wind and waves, were washed away and turned into lakes (wieden). The Weerribben was spared this fate. After the peat cutting stopped in the 20th century, a unique nature reserve remained as the heritage of the peat cutters. The local population gradually switched to reed and grassland management

https://www.visitweerribbenwieden.com/

Visit Weerribben Wieden

https://de.visitweerribbenwieden.com/

Focus landschapstype: bog / cultural landscape

Fitness level participant: small

6. NP Drentsche Aa

The Landscape Biography Drentsche Aa - Experience the best preserved village landscape in Western Europe, with its original meandering stream valleys en heathlands.

The Landscape Biography Drentsche Aa - Experience the best preserved village landscape in Western Europe. Walk the ancient cart tracks to burial mounds, dolmens and gallows mountains. Experience the source areas, the heaths and the forests, the colors, sounds of nature, animals and plants. Discover the heather cows and the sheep, traveling with their shepherd. Taste nature in the regional products and its own drinking water. Let yourself be carried away by all the beauty that our landscape and our people have to offer. Along the way, we explain how we maintain this landscape. Our National Park hosts and hostesses will give you a warm welcome and love to share the secrets of the area. disconnect from everyday life. Welcome to Drentsche Aa National Park, take your time to discover it …

 

https://www.drentscheaa.nl/serviceblok/english-0/

 

Focus landschapstype: brook valley and village landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

7. NP Dwingelderveld / NP Drents-Friese Wold

Animal traces in the landscape

Track & Sign (T&S) are all around us. Anywhere you go you'll find stories, written in the landscape by a wide variety of animals, big and small. And there will be new stories tomorrow! Wouldn’t it be fascinating to be able to read them? I'd love to take you along in this fascinating world. Aaldrik Pot & Lysander van Oossanen (rangers Staatsbosbeheer) – excursion hosts. English | EXTRA Bushcraft

https://www.nationaalpark-drents-friese-wold.nl/serviceblok/english_1/

https://www.nationaalpark-dwingelderveld.nl/serviceblok/english-0/

 

Focus landschapstype: natural forest landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

8. NP Dwingelderveld / NP Drents-Friese Wold

Cultural-historical traces in the landscape

We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Colony of Benevolence Frederiksoord. We start with a visit to the new museum De Proefkolonie. Here we become acquainted with the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, founded by General Johannes van den Bosch in 1818. With an ambitious plan, supported by King Willem I, he offered poor urban dwellers from the Netherlands a new future by founding agricultural colonies. In exchange for labor in the fields, the paupers received housing, education and care. Van den Bosch thus laid the origin of our current welfare state. After the museum we take the colony tram for a tour through the special landscape with many monuments. In the afternoon we visit the nearby Natura 2000 area Holtingerveld, where the ice age and World War II have created a very special un-Dutch landscape. We consider how a turbulent past has led to unique nature.

Koloniën van Weldadigheid | (kolonienvanweldadigheid.eu)

https://www.nationaalpark-drents-friese-wold.nl/serviceblok/english_1/

https://www.nationaalpark-dwingelderveld.nl/serviceblok/english-0/

 

Focus landschapstype: reclamation landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

9. NP Duinen van Texel (Wadden Sea) - Bike Tour

Working for future generations, National Park Dunes of Texel (Wadden Sea) BIKE TOUR

Building with nature; how on Texel the rising sea-leavel with a sanddike and dunes protect the Texel people for the effects of the climat changes (Prins Hendrikzanddijk).

Sustainable agriculture; a sheepfarm with a great family history. Three generation farmers in a historic landscape (De Waddel). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdL_N8UBues

Afternoon BIKE TOUR: a culture/nature/history tour on the bike.

On the oldest and highest part of Texel you will find the Hoge Berg nature reserve. It is about 15 meters above sea level. It was created by clay stages in the Ice Age, some 150,000 years ago. Here you will find insect reserve De Zandkuil and sloping grassland with 'tuunwoallen' and sheep fines'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdK86ftARuc

https://www.npduinenvantexel.nl/299/en

FOCUS landschapstype: Wadden Sea island / dunes / historic landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

10. NP Duinen van Texel (Wadden Sea) - Walking Tour

Working for future generations, National Park Dunes of Texel (Wadden Sea) WALKING TOUR

Building with nature; how on Texel the rising sea-leavel with a sanddike and dunes protect the Texel people for the effects of the climat changes (Prins Hendrikzanddijk).

Sustainable agriculture; a sheepfarm with a great family history. Three generation farmers in a historic landscape (De Waddel). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdL_N8UBues

Afternoon WALKING TOUR: The Slufter.

A walking tour trough an unique area with an open connection with the sea. The special salt-loving vegetation and creeks makes it worth to visit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkeVyYWQ7U0

https://www.npduinenvantexel.nl/299/en

Focus landschapstype: Wadden sea island / dunes / creeks

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

11. NP Alde Feanen

National Park de Alde Feanen – A unique wetland landscape

Join us for an unforgettable excursion into the stunning wetland landscape of National Park Alde Feanen! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this unique region, as you explore the park's expansive marshes, reed beds, and waterways. Led by experienced guides, you'll have the opportunity to spot rare bird species such as the Bittern and the bearded reedling, while learning about the park's fascinating cultural heritage and traditional practices. A visit to National Park Alde Feanen is an experience you'll never forget. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover one of the Netherlands' most stunning natural treasures!

 

https://www.np-aldefeanen.nl/en/

 

FOCUS landschapstype: wetland landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

12. Terschelling (Protected Area / Wadden Sea)

Wadden Sea island Terschelling - dynamic dune area the Noordsvaarder

The Noordsvaarder is part of the World Heritage area of the Wadden Sea. It contains dynamic dunes up to 35 meters, mud flats, green beaches and grey and white dunes. During a 5 hour walk we will cross all the different landscapes with some challenging routes through and over high dunes. Because of this diversity in landscapes, the biodiversity of flora and fauna is huge. The natural dynamics of sand, wind and water are shaping the landscape of the Noordsvaarder. During the excursions we will visit the highest point at 33 meters above sea level, where you can see the sandbanks that are feeding the island with new sand: the start of the dynamic of blowing sand. In October migrating birds are feeding and resting on the sandy beaches and mudflats.

 

https://www.vvvterschelling.com/nature-areas/

 

Focus landschapstype: Wadden Sea island / dunes / coast / salt marsh

Fitness level participant: large

13. Protected Areas: Onlanden - Veenhuizen – Fochteloërveen

Climate adaptation and watermanagement in Fochteloerveen-marshes, and Onlanden. With a glimpse of the Veenhuizen Unesco Word heritage Site.

We will visit the old nature and bog reserve Fochteloerveen, heavily affected bij droughts, and waterleakage. An ambitious watermanagement restorationplan should resolve these problems.

In between we will have lunch in Veenhuizen, a 19th century grand-designed area and building complex, developed to get a new future for the poor.  This complex has been awarded last year as Unesco World Heritage site..  

We will visit the Onlanden. A newly developed 1000 ha marsh area at the Fringe of Groningen city, partly developed to prevent Groningen from flooding in periods of heavy rainfall. Now a resort for endangered species as bittern and marsh harrier. Nature helps us to adapt to climate change.

 

https://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/natuurgebieden/fochteloerveen/projecten/natuurherstel-fochteloerveen

https://www.deonlanden.nl/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1MDIli9-jw&ab_channel=Koloni%C3%ABnvanWeldadigheid

 

Focus  landschapstype: marshes

Fitness level participant: medium

14. Wadden Sea (Coast Groningen)

Experience Wadden coast of Groningen: feel the seamud between your toes

Discover Groningen's Wadden area with its unexpected beauty of salt marshes and polders. Enjoy endless and unspoiled views, tranquillity and space. Put on your old sneakers and walk with us along the bottom of the sea when the Wadden are running dry. With a bit of luck, watch the seals on the sandbanks waiting for the flood to bring new food. Feast your eyes on the thousands of migratory birds that gather in this area. Experience the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site in all its glory and be swept along the elements of the sea. Then take a look at the Ems-Dollard, an example of a new economic landscape in balance with world-class nature.

We would like to show you this piece of the oldest cultural landscape of the Netherlands. Where the sea used to have free reign and people lived from the Iron Age on ancient mounds. When you visit Groningen's Wadden area now, the winding roads, the vast landscape, the meandering ditches and gullies and the still-preserved wierden betray its rich history. Come along and experience it for yourself.

https://www.visitwadden.nl/en/regions/wadden-coast-groningen

https://hollandnationalparks.com/en/things-to-do/walking-across-floor-sea

Focus landschapstype: Wadden Sea coast / sea

Fitness level participant: large

15. Wadden Sea (Coast Friesland)

Experience Wadden coast of Friesland: salty nature and dikes

From the Afsluitdijk, Friesland's wadden coast extends in a curved line to the Lauwersmeer area. An artificial land behind dykes. Behind it are old fishing villages and an occasional port as a stepping stone to the islands. With salty nature outside the dikes and a special offer inside: wide landscapes, horizon, mound villages with medieval churches, darkness and silence.

The first inhabitants, who settled on the higher parts of the salt marshes from the 6th century BC onwards, protected house and home from the rising sea water. They did so by raising the surrounding land into artificial mounds. On this fieldtrip, we will visit the highest mound in the Netherlands; Hegebeintum. This terp reaches a height of 8.80 metres above sea level.

After this visit, we will head to the seaport Harlingen for a local produce lunch. From Harlingen, we depart for the Afsluitdijk. This iconic structure is a dam in the Netherlands between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland that seals off the IJsselmeer from the Wadden Sea. The entire dam is 32.5 km long, its damming section 30 km. The Afsluitdijk is important to protect part of the Netherlands from flooding. The construction of the Afsluitdijk was not without controversy. The Wadden Centre Afsluitdijk tells all about it.

 

https://www.visitwadden.nl/en/regions/wadden-coast-friesland/world-heritage-friesland

https://www.visitwadden.nl/en/regions/wadden-coast-friesland

Focus landschapstype: Wadden Sea coast / sea / dikes

Fitness level participant: medium

**** FULLY BOOKED ****

16. Visit NP Schiermonnikoog (Waddensea)

Visit National Park Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog is one of the wildest places in the Netherlands. The island was formed by strong sea currents, strong winds and drifting sand. Nature on Schiermonnikoog is still constantly changing.

Everything goes without saying on the Oosterkwelder and the beach. People do not steer the developments here. There are not many such places in the Netherlands. Nature benefits when wind, water, sand and salt take their course. Animals and plants find their own place in the area.

At the same time, there is a responsibility to support poorly exploited species and habitats. Natuurmonumenten manages and protects the nature of Schiermonnikoog so that everyone can continue to enjoy it.

Schiermonnikoog has been a National Park since 1989. The entire Wadden area was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2009.

https://www.np-schiermonnikoog.nl/

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-the-netherlands/visit-the-regions/wadden-islands/schiermonnikoog-national-park.htm

Focus landschapstype: Wadden Sea island / historic landscape

Fitness level participant: medium

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