At the northernmost point of the Province of Overijssel the De Weerribben and the De Wieden (Natuurmonumenten) nature reservesform the largest area of marsh wetland in Western Europe. The wetland is the same size as the Veluwe and the nature of the area is exceptionally rich.

Man-made landscape

The wetland is actually a man-made landscape, created by decades of peat cutting. Strips of land alternate with channels of water from which the peat was cut. Over time the channels of water gradually fill up and become land. Each stage of this land accretion process has its own flora and fauna.

Dynamic processes

The great wealth of species in the area rely on the existence of dynamic processes that require intensive management. By digging new peat holes or opening up old peat holes that have since been filled in by land accretion, the land accretion process is constantly regenerated. So the huge variety of flora and fauna can be preserved and invigorated. From 2006 to 2011 Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten will work in close collaboration on a range of measures.

New life for marsh

Marsh ecosystems are relatively rare in Europe. De Weerribben and De Wieden are an important link in Natura 2000, the European network of areas that come under the Birds and Habitats Directive. The European Commission is co-funding the strengthening and development of rare marsh ecosystems via the LIFE Nature programme.