Engbertsdijksvenen, Protected wetland area in Overijssel, Netherlands
Engbertsdijksvenen is a protected reserve featuring raised bogs, heathland, birch forests, and drainage channels spread across roughly 1,000 hectares. The varied habitats create ideal conditions for a diverse range of plant and animal life.
The reserve gained international recognition in 1989 and underwent a boundary expansion in 2014 to include more land. This progression reflects how protection for the area has strengthened over time.
The site serves as a refuge for rare bird species and stores vast amounts of carbon in its peat, making it a cornerstone of nature conservation efforts. Visitors experience this role directly when observing cranes and migratory birds that stop here during their journeys.
The reserve features several walking trails and observation platforms that provide good access to different areas. Visit during bird migration seasons to see the widest variety of species in residence.
The raised bog stores carbon in a way that makes it function as a natural warehouse for greenhouse gases accumulated over thousands of years. Most visitors do not realize the ground beneath their feet contains carbon deposits of extraordinary age.
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