Weerribben-Wieden National Park

The Weerribben-Wieden National Park is a national park of the Netherlands in the Steenwijkerland municipality of the province of Overijssel. Comprising the largest bog of northwestern Europe, the park consists of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden, and has an area of roughly 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi). The park was founded in 1992, but De Wieden was added only in 2009.

Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden
IUCN category II (national park)
LocationOverijssel, Netherlands
Coordinates52.73°N 6.03°E / 52.73; 6.03
Area100 kilometres (62 mi)
Established1992
OperatorNatuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer
Official nameWieden
Designated29 August 2000
Reference no.1241[1]

History and former use

Large parts of the area were used for peat production until the Second World War. Since then a part of the area has been used for thatching reed production.

Present management

The area is managed by the large private nature-conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten and by the Staatsbosbeheer (State Forest Service). Other parties are involved in management issues as well, such as local communities. About 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) is still used for thatching reed production. Villages like the picturesque Giethoorn and monumental towns like Blokzijl and Vollenhove are important for tourism and recreation.

Vegetation and wildlife

The vegetation and wildlife are typical for such an area, full of peat and water. Resident species include the water soldier, the sundew, the black tern, the northern pike and, recently, the otter. In addition, the Green Hawker and the Large Copper are found here.

Visitor centres
  • Visitor centre De Weerribben in Ossenzijl
  • Information centre of the national park in Kalenberg
  • Visitor centre De Wieden in Sint Jansklooster
  • Schoonewelle 'Centrum Natuur en Ambacht' in Zwartsluis

Pictures
  • Weerribben-Wieden National Park
  • Visitor Centre Ossenzijl from the riverside
  • Weerribben
  • Waterpump in the Weerribben
  • Canoeist in the Weerribben

References
  1. "Wieden". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
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