Ooijpolder, Nature area near Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Ooijpolder is a nature area along the Waal River, shaped by wetlands, meadows, and old river bends that create diverse habitats. The landscape supports many bird species and grazing animals that live freely throughout the protected site.
This region was a brick manufacturing center in the 19th century with factories and worker housing, but later became a protected nature reserve. The shift toward conservation aimed to restore natural habitats and support the area's biodiversity.
The name reflects the polder heritage and the long tradition of water management that shaped life here for generations. Today, visitors can observe how pastoral practices remain woven into daily land stewardship.
The area is best explored by bike, with marked trails covering several kilometers across the landscape. Ferry crossings connect different sections, so check conditions beforehand and wear comfortable shoes for walking on varied terrain.
Konik horses and Galloway cattle graze freely and naturally maintain the grasslands through their feeding habits. These animals are part of a larger European conservation project demonstrating how grazing animals help sustain ecosystems.
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