“What if I would tell you that birds were already teasing high in the sky when our machines still ended their work? – Quote from our guide, one of the Marker Wadden founders.
Welcome to Marker Wadden, indeed the latest piece of land in the Netherlands. The Dutch are famous for fighting the water and instead creating new land (which started hundreds of years ago), and these 1000 hectares of land in the middle of Lake Grandest are the latest example.
Before we (a group of 20 nature and landscape photographers) go on the way to explore the flora and fauna on the island, our guide continues. His enthusiasm leads to a lengthy explanation of how the island was created, but its story is remarkable and rewarding.
biodiversity
The biological diversity in Lake Markers (one of the largest freshwater lakes in Western Europe) was low and needed a thrust because the lake was cut off by a long dike that connected the eastern and western part of the country. Hence the plan of Natuurmon meetings (Dutch Society of Nature Conservation) to create a new, artificial group of islands in order to promote the growth of bird and fish population.
Starting from the front, sediments from the bottom of the lake were used to create the islands, swamps (swamps) and mud flats, which corresponds to the size of the city center Amsterdam.
With a budget of 75 million euros, the work started in 2014 and completed at the end of 2020. As you can see in the picture below (found on the website of the project designer Vista), there are a total of 5 (or 6, as you count …) islands depend on which only the upper left of us can be visited. The rest is fully devoted to mother nature; A unique paradise for wetlands and bird (or bird love islands -).
On the main island (called Haven Eiland or Harbor Island because it has a port), the 12m protection with a high bird watcher attracts attention as a Steltlop. Climb the structure to enjoy a very bird view of the area. As you can see in some pictures, there are more bird observation accommodation with all different appearances and feeling.
Sturm, seeds and bones
It is not unusual for the wind to play the leading role when you visit Marker Wadden. Prepare yourself for a sand blowing. It is for one reason that the western part (which suffers the most from the wind) has a stone edge or a border on the island. The rest is sand. 7 sediment layers have already been used within the borders.
Our guide continues with another remarkable fact: Do you know that seeds that were encapsulated in the sediment are once brought to life on land? New plant species have already been discovered. Or do you know that you have found bones (perhaps from prehistoric mammoths) that recently drove a group of archaeologists crazy?
More islands
Further islands are added, where Natuurmon meetings aim to create 10,000 hectares (10 times the current size) of new land. It’s absolutely worth it. Birds that had left our country are now returning. Many fish spawn here. New plants and insects have found and thrive the place. Studies already counted 170 birds and 120 plant species. Only on this small piece of land!
Trees are banished by the island because this again attracts different birds (which we already find on land). The same applies to the fox and the rat – in no case you will ever enter the island. Crossed thumbs.
When we go on the island, we pass about a dozen holiday homes. In fact, you can book an overnight stay in which the house has no television and uses renewable energies. If you are interested, I have found a (Dutch) blog post in which you see what the interior looks like.
In 2019, 20,000 visitors already enjoyed the archipelago. Bird observers, nature lovers and people who are only looking for calm have a fabulous time. I totally loved the landscape. I let the strong winds play with myself and my equipment, but I didn’t care. I looked at myself happy to be able to visit to see how nature developed so quickly. It also made me smile when I realized that serious efforts and money were spent here in full dedication by Mother Nature. It’s worth it, great time.
I was invited by Natuurmon meetings (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) and Rijkswater State (Dutch Ministry of Water and Infrastructure) to visit Marker Wadden. Thanks for this opportunity!
If you want to visit Marker Wadden, you will find this website for details about the ferry of Lelystad.
