Rhoonse Grienden, Nature area in Barendrecht, Netherlands
Rhoonse Grienden is a nature area along the Oude Maas characterized by rows of pollard willows that stand in water twice daily due to tidal changes. The landscape includes marshes and waterways that form interconnected ecosystems supporting diverse plant and animal life.
The area received protection as a designated quiet zone within the Natura 2000 network, Europe's system for safeguarding important habitats. This designation helped preserve the freshwater marsh landscapes and the species that depend on them.
The nature reserve functions as an educational center where visitors participate in guided tours to learn about local flora, fauna, and environmental changes.
Access points are scattered throughout the reserve, with parking available near Station Barendrecht and Carnisse Grienden. A network of marked trails allows visitors to explore at their own pace and choose routes suited to their ability and available time.
Pollard willows create a distinctive forest canopy shaped by centuries of traditional cutting practices. Beavers and kingfishers inhabit these woodlands, their presence signaling a healthy ecosystem where wildlife thrives despite human management.
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