De Alde Feanen National Park, National park and Ramsar site in Friesland, Netherlands
De Alde Feanen is a national park in Friesland covering freshwater lakes, reed lands, forested marshland, and grasslands spread across three municipalities. The protected area contains a mix of different habitats that support a range of plants and animals throughout the year.
The area was placed under protection by the It Fryske Gea conservation organization in 1934, though it only received official national park status in 2006. This formal recognition came after years of planning and preparation to expand conservation efforts across the region.
The park draws birdwatchers and nature lovers who explore its pathways early in the morning to observe storks and other wildlife in their natural setting. Visitors spend time following routes through the reed areas, watching for the black and white storks perched on their nests throughout the seasons.
The De Reidplûm information center provides a good starting point to learn about the area and its local wildlife before heading out. Sturdy footwear and binoculars are helpful for comfortably exploring the many paths and observing birds from a safe distance.
Visitors often overlook that the park is home to roughly 450 plant species and provides nesting space for about 100 bird species in one relatively compact area. This remarkable concentration of biodiversity means that every visit offers a chance to encounter an unusually rich natural environment.
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