Hollandse Hout

New forest in the Flevopolder

Hollandse Hout is a remarkable nature reserve situated between Lelystad and the Oostvaarder lakes in Flevoland province. Trees for All planted 48,000 trees in 2018/2019. Thanks in part to Trees for All’s efforts the area is being transformed into an attractive site for people and animals.

Why is this project necessary?

In order to reach the climate targets in the Neterlands we have to provide an impetus to biodiversity and create more forests. Together with Staatsbosbeheer we have transformed 12 hectares (in a total project of 80 ha) of agricultural land to mixed deciduous forest.

Hollandse Hout is intended as an incubator for more Dutch woodland. Staatsbosbeheer regards it as a gene bank to safeguard indigenous plant material resistant to sicknesses and climate change for the Netherlands. Over the coming years the area will be specifically cultivated to attract dragonflies, kingfishers and other water birds. Woodland fringes will be established offering food and a sheltered habitat to butterflies, songbirds and small mammals. Footpaths and several nature observation hides are also planned so that people can come and enjoy the wonderful indigenous tree species such as small-leaved lime, durmast oak and sweet cherry.