Weerribben-Wieden National Park


Weerribben-Wieden National Park is a Dutch national park in the Steenwijkerland and Zwartewaterland municipalities in the Overijssel province. Comprising the largest bog of Northwestern Europe, the park consists of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden; it has an area of roughly. The park was founded in 1992, although De Wieden was added later, in 2009.
WWW np-weerribbenwieden.nl

History and former use

Large parts of the area were used for peat production until the Second World War. Since then a part of the area has been used for thatching reed production.

Present management

The area is managed by the large private nature-conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten and by the Staatsbosbeheer. Other parties are involved in management issues as well, such as local communities. About is still used for thatching reed production. Villages like the picturesque Giethoorn and monumental towns like Blokzijl and Vollenhove are important for tourism and recreation.

Vegetation and wildlife

The vegetation and wildlife are typical for such an area, full of peat and water. Resident species include the water soldier, the sundew, the black tern, the northern pike and, recently, the otter. In addition, the Green Hawker and the Large Copper are found here.

Visitor centres