A trip to the Biesbosch area of Holland between 19th and 22nd April.
We understand that almost 400 people participated in the Estuary Trip Competition in a
quiz in which knowledge of the Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks (STEPS) areas was
tested.
As the prize winner I was invited, with my wife Tracy to the National Park in the
Biesbosch area near Dordrecht to enjoy the region and generous hospitality. I run a
sailing school in the Norfolk Broads and was delighted to have the opportunity of
experiencing the BIESBOSCH AREA. Tracy also has a great deal of interest as a
geographer and Town Planner.
After a sleeping in a comfortable cabin aboard the ferry from Harwich to The Hook Of
Holland we enjoyed an action packed long weekend.
On arrival in Dordrecht by train we were taken to the Visitor Centre and met by the
Biesbosch project manager Marianne who explained the programme which had been
planned for us. We also met the two people who were the prize winners from Belgium.
I understand that the Biesbosch is one of the last freshwater tide area in Europe and
consists of a large network of rivers and creeks. It has similarities to the Norfolk Broads
and it was interesting to compare the two. A significant feature of the Biesbosch is the
willow forests which have clearly had a significant impact on the area historically both in
its industry and its development. The influence of the tide gives a dynamic landscape
which I believe has a range of 80cm – 200cm, depending where you are.
After our introduction we were put into the good hands of Pauline, a Volunteer who led
us on a canoeing trip around the area. Pauline was not only a skilled canoeist but also a
friendly and knowledgeable guide. She explained the encouragement of willow in the
area and the industry which once thrived as a result. A number of birds similar to those
found in the Broads were spotted and there was plenty of evidence of beaver activity.
Sadly the beavers did not make an appearance during the trip although we were told
there are over 200 living within the park. We believe Beavers were introduced in the
area to help manage the trees by reducing numbers. We saw that the underside trunk
of an over-turned tree has supplied a habitat for several kingfishers nests.
After the canoe trip, which lasted over 3 hours we were taken to the hotel
De Warteroren nearby, which is a beautifully converted water tower with good facillities.
We were picked up early that evening and taken to the Augustus restaurant. That too
used to be part of a nearby water tower, now beautifully converted into a very quirky
but outstanding sort after restaurant. We were met by Marianne as well as a
representative of the local authority involved with the STEPS project. After a brief
discussion about the Biesbosch they left us to enjoy an impressive dinner.
The next day were given the use of bicycles for the remainder of the trip and soon made
use of them by first cycling to the Biesbosch museum, via a ferry crossing. The
Beisbosch museum gave a lot of information on the History of the area including the way
people managed to make a living over the years. It showed how a large number were
employed in cutting, stripping and bending willow branches from the vast number of
willows growing in the area. These had various uses from basket making to binding the
planks of barrels together. There was also information on the introduction of beavers to
the region.
There then followed a cycle ride to lunch in a restaurant perfectly placed for Dave to
enjoy a walk around the local marine to compare the craft with those we have in the
Broads. A number had lea-boards, as you might expect because of the shallow waters.
This was followed by a boat trip on an electric boat, aptly named the Whisper, around a
different part of the Biesbosch for more bird and beaver lodge spotting. After that it was
back on the bikes for a ride around the area taking in views of the rivers, dykes, boats
and of course the wild life. A trip across the ferry made it on time for dinner in a
vegetarian restaurant called Herberg de Kop Van’t Land. The food was incredible and
the service excellent.
The following day there was time for a bike ride to the city of Dordrecht, We found it a
small pretty city which in parts was like a mini Venice with several bridges across the
river and houses and other buildings rising up out of the water. On the way we saw the
only remaining windmill in the city – the Kijck over Dijck built in 1713. We also noticed
statues of the de Witt brothers who were clearly important leaders in their day.
It was then time to get back for the lift to the station for a train to Belgium to change for
the Eurostar, travelling through France and back to England.
Prior to going I checked the weather forecast, as you might expect being an experienced
sailor, but although, it was to be a showery weekend we managed to dodge most of the
showers and have a very enjoyable few days.
Biesbosch National Park is a great place to visit – easy to get to without a car and
compact enough to enjoy even over a short visit. True Dutch experience in a familiar
landscape with plenty to see and do, ease of getting about was brilliant given the safe
and extensive network of cycling routes. Accommodation and quality of places to eat was
extremely high and the whole experience was truly memorable.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to visit the area and for the hospitality provided.