Nature reserve
Texel has a number of nature monuments which are home to rare birds and plants. In order to preserve the unique flora and fauna for future generations Natuurmonumenten (The Society for the preservation of nature monuments in the Netherlands) has bought a number of meadows and agricultural ground.
Rich in birds
Between De Koog and De Waal lies the old polder, which is rich in birds, Waal and Burg, which is partially owned by the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Association for Nature Preservation). The unfertilised pastures of this part of the area are flooded in the Winter. If it does not freeze up, it makes it an ideal spot for all kinds of water birds. During frosty periods, Waal and Burg becomes the domain of the inhabitants of Texel; the shallow waters rapidly become suitable for ice-skaters. This area of about 7 hectares was the first nature monument to be bought by Natuurmonumenten on Texel in 1909.
De Bol
Drijvers Vogelweid De Bol is situated near the windmill of Het Noorden and is also a low unfertilised grazing area. An interesting area for bird-watchers, which also houses special flora. Orchids and campions can be found in abundance.
De Schoren
De Schorren is a salt marsh area on the outside of the dyke on the Waddensea, with characteristic salt-loving plants, which is flooded very rarely. The area is protected from the sea with little dams of posts and wicker. In 2010 volunteers from Natuurmonumenten counted a record number of 141 Spoonbill breeding pairs.
Utopia
Utopia is a safe bird breeding area for nesting shore birds. The area covers 28 hectares and is surrounded by dykes, just off De Schorren nature reserve. During 2010 and 2011, the Dutch Society for preservation of nature monuments reformed this grass area into a tidal creek area with mud flat edges and many shell embankments. Immediately, large quantities of local birds discovered the inlet as a perfect nesting area.
Water areas and small islands have been created in Utopia, which offer wading birds an attractive refuge at high tide. Rising sea levels cause these refuge areas to be increasingly important.
The reed beds offer suitable protection for birds like warblers, bearded reedlings and western marsh harriers. Utopia is connected with the dyke ditch and the Wadden Sea, allowing migratory fish, such as sticklebacks, to access the area. The water connections allow for a natural transition between pastures, brackish marshland and mud flats. During winter, brent geese and wigeons forage on the pastures. In summer, meadow birds nest in these grassy areas.
Utopia is what is referred to as one of the natural pearls on the dry side of the dyke, forming a pearl chain with other brackish marshlands that belong to the Dutch Society for the preservation of nature monuments. It offers tourists and conservationists a beautiful itinerary along the Wadden Sea dyke.
The Wadden Sea is the largest nature reserve in our country. It has been designated a Natura-2000 area by the European Union. It is inscribed on the World Heritage List, and is of international significance for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.
Other nature areas that are managed by Natuurmonumenten are:
Lage Land van Texel
Dijkmanshuizen
Eendenkooi bij Spang
Fort de Schans
Ottersaat
De Petten
Zandkes
Wagejot
De Zandkuil