The National Park De Biesbosch is situated in the bottom south eastern corner of Holland, not far from Rotterdam and Dordrecht. It covers 9000 hectares, and is a green maze of rivers, islands and a vast network of narrow and wide canals. It is one of the few fresh water tidal areas in Europe. After the closing of the open sea at Haringvliet in 1970, the tidal effect was lowered by 2 metres which has meant a change in the surrounding land, and it is predicted that in time the area will become a marshy woodland. The area is being monitored very carefully to ensure that the changes in the environment are suitable for the birds, animals and fish that live there.
Our first stop was the visitors centre, where there was plenty of information about the National Park, and from there we took a small ferry across the canal to one of the islands. As part of the trip, we were advised to use their insect repellent as the mosquitoes were large and very active on the island. And this was true! Great big critters too.
Once on the island we assembled for the group photograph.
And off we went through the narrow spongy paths, with an array of very high plants on either side. Plenty of stinging nettles too. But apparently the beavers like to eat them. There were also established trees in this section of the island.
And over 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' bridge. No sign of the troll thank goodness. Actually the bridge is high, in order that boats can pass underneath it.
We did not see any beavers but plenty of muddy beaver paths beside the water. The beavers were reintroduced to the area in 1988, after having been all destroyed by the early 1800s. The last one was bludgeoned to death. Did we all need to know that? There are now plenty of beavers about now, thank goodness.
Water, water, everywhere. The area was used as a hiding place for members of the Dutch resistance during World War II and anyone else who wanted to escape detection. The Germans did not like entering the area, as it was overgrown, full of small waterways and altogether very unpleasant. Even now, canoeists are given special maps so that they can find their way around the narrow waterways. It is very easy to get lost, very quickly.
This is the first house that the three little pigs built. Of reeds. Yet it has survived for a hundred years or more.
Conditions improved and the next house was built of wood. And yes there was a third house, built off bricks of course Very uncanny and similar to the 'The Three Pigs story'. The houses were used by the seasonal workers who used them when cutting the reeds. A very poorly paid job. And very hard work.
As the water is now too shallow for good reed growing, the area is mainly covered in willows. They pollard the trees regularly, and the thin branches are used as a base for dykes and for shoring up banks of rivers and swamps.
A National Park boat, hidden amongst the reeds.
Time for a rest, in the only open space on the island. Note the sun is shining too. And the mosquitoes were out in full force. No photographs of them though. They were too fast.
Amazingly the area was a prosperous farming area until 1421, when there was a massive flood, called St Elizabeth's Flood, and 16 villages disappeared off the map. Just like that!
And now it is a mysterious and fascinating water park, with green islands, and an abundance of flora and fauna. All at the fingertips of people who live in Holland.
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