LEARNING OBJECTIVE
● The reader learns complete technical knowledge about five walking routes in Noord-Holland and Utrecht, including distance, location, main ecological features, wildlife, landscape elements, and historical structures.
LANDGOED HAARZUILENS
● The route has a total length of eleven kilometers.
● The area contains flowers, orchard trees, and traditional farmland.
● The Oeverzwaluwwand holds two hundred seventy-five nesting cavities for sand martins. 🌳
● The Hooilanden sector shows yellow marsh marigolds, pink ragged robins, and yellow rattles.
● The village Haarzuilens has red and white house patterns identical to Kasteel de Haar.
● The orchard De Boswachter contains cherries, plums, apples, and pears.
● Klein Limburg includes tree clumps designed by Copijn. 🐦
● Parkbos de Haar contains seventy thousand native trees planted in two thousand fifteen.
● Kasteel de Haar shows medieval style with a twentieth century rebuild.
● The monumental bridge has sculpted concrete in the form of logs.
● The Kerkepad is a medieval path for churchgoers.
● The Iron Age farm site shows full-scale ground plans.
● The agrarian zone grows flax, lucerne, and rye for bird feeding.
EEMLAND
● The total distance is ten kilometers.
● The route crosses old dikes with flood history.
● Waai or kolk lakes formed after dike breaches are visible.
● The bird hide provides observation of shovelers, tufted ducks, and wigeons. 🦆
● The flat clay landscape offers open visibility for meadow birds.
● The area sustains godwits, lapwings, redshanks, and oystercatchers.
● Kemphanen also appear in rare cases.
● The land has wet and dry patches for diverse species.
NATIONAAL PARK ZUID-KENNEMERLAND (KONIKROUTE)
● The length is seven point five kilometers.
● The old dune forest has slow-growing oaks with twisted shapes.
● Deadwood remains on the ground for insects and fungi. 🌲
● Konik horses, Shetland ponies, and Highland cattle graze to maintain open vegetation.
● Tankgracht water channels were dug in the Second World War as defense.
● The dune top viewpoint offers multi-directional panoramas.
● Open dunes have yellow bedstraw and dune violet.
● Grazing and shrub removal keep dune plants and insects active. 🐎
● Boundary stones mark old water board limits.
● Kastanjelaantje is a chestnut lane from the estate era.
NAARDERMEER (LAARZENPAD)
● The total distance is six point five kilometers.
● The boardwalk crosses marsh forest with high water levels.
● Hooilandjes meadows were stripped to restore flowers. 🌼
● The bird hide offers views of cormorants and purple herons.
● The bird screen in Hilversumse Bovenmeent gives access to shallow water birdlife.
● Wildlife tunnels and water passages allow animals to cross the road safely.
LANDGOED NIJENBURG
● The length is four point one kilometers.
● Stolpboerderijen combine living space, barn, and hay storage under one roof.
● The Wipwatermolen is a restored windmill moved from another site. 🏞️
● The viewpoint shows dunes from Egmond to Bergen.
● The Westerlaan tree lane aligns with the midsummer sunset.
● The landhouse from early eighteenth century has white-plastered facade since nineteenth century.
● Gardens follow historical designs.
● Former crop fields now form a play meadow with picnic tables.
NATURE CONSERVATION CONTEXT
● The natural environment is under continuous pressure.
● Protection actions include restoration of historical landscapes and habitats.
● Meadows, wetlands, and forests provide ecosystem services. 🌍
● Wildlife corridors and safe crossings reduce road mortality.
● Native flora planting increases biodiversity.
● Public participation through volunteering and donations supports preservation.
● Recreational infrastructure integrates paths, viewpoints, and educational signage.
VISITOR SERVICES
● Visitor centers offer starting points for walking and cycling.
● Information about routes and activities is available onsite. 🚲
● Facilities include cafes, terraces, and children’s play areas.
● Route maps are accessible for detailed navigation.
● Some areas require dogs to be on leash or ban entry for dogs.
● Parking is provided at designated points.
● Seasonal highlights include blossom time and bird migration.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 