Top 10 Natural Monuments around Strijen

Where nature is still something sustainable...

An insect hotel is a structure that is specially designed to provide shelter and nesting places for insects. It is often used in gardens, parks or natural areas to support biodiversity. Here is more information about insect hotels: Purpose of an insect hotel • Supporting biodiversity: Insect hotels help beneficial insect species such as bees, ladybirds, lacewings and earwigs to survive, especially in urban or agricultural areas where natural shelters are scarce. • Pollination: Solitary bees, which often use insect hotels, play an important role in pollinating flowers and crops. • Pest control: Some insects, such as ladybirds and earwigs, eat pest insects such as aphids, which can help to naturally maintain plants. Construction of an insect hotel An insect hotel consists of several compartments, each suitable for different types of insects. Commonly used materials include: • Wooden blocks with holes drilled into them: For solitary bees, such as the mason bee. • Hollow stems: Bamboo or reed for small bee species. • Pine cones or straw: For ladybugs and earwigs. • Bark and twigs: For spiders and other small insects. • Loam or clay: For bees that seal their nests with mud.

Along the Oostdijk between the Tonnekreek and Willemstad is 'De Wachter' a special work of art. De Wachter stands exactly on the spot where the storm surge on 1 February 1953 hit and flooded the Ruigenhilpolder. The work of art is an eight-metre-high hill, on which sheep can graze. The work of art De Wachter, by artist Marius Boender, was built along the Hollandsch Diep at the spot where the dike broke during the Flood Disaster in 1953. The reason for the monument was the completion of the dike reinforcement in 2001. The work of art is an eight-metre-high, pyramid-like clay hill, overgrown with grass. You can climb the work of art via a path that winds over the work of art. There is a good chance that you will do so in the company of grazing sheep. The creation of the work of art was a challenge, because factors such as weight (not too heavy), weather resistance (rain and wind) and construction (not subsidence under pressure from visitors) had to be taken into account. Source: https://www.visitmoerdijk.nl/nl/locaties/2645610321/de-wachter

The work of art is an eight-metre high hill on which sheep can graze. De Wachter, by artist Marius Boender, was built along the Hollandsch Diep at the spot where the dike broke during the 1953 flood disaster.

De Biesbosch National Park is a freshwater tidal area. There are only a few of them in the world. In the Biesbosch there is therefore ebb and flow, which is unique in a freshwater area. And for 600 years, the tides have shaped this landscape of water, reed beds and creeks. Not only the beaver feels at home here, but the area is also popular with many species of birds. The shallow waters rich in fish attract impressive species such as osprey and white-tailed eagle.

The area southwest of the Spieringsluis was redesigned years ago as part of Room for the River. With the refurbishment, walking paths have been created on the Jantjesplaat and Hoge Hof. Later in 2015, a footbridge was added to the Deeneplaat. You can enjoy walking here.

The natural island of Sophiapolder is located in the middle of the tidal river De Noord. You can only get there with a foot ferry for a 2.5 kilometer walk over decking and dikes. Transfer for free and enjoy nature. To get to the island, the voluntary skippers of the Zuid-Hollands Landschap are happy to transfer you with a foot ferry. The crossing takes 5 to 10 minutes and it can carry a maximum of 10 passengers. The area with sandbanks and creeks is constantly changing under the influence of the tide. The nutrient-rich mud plates act like a magnet for birds such as avocet, redshank, shelduck and green-legged rider. Spoonbills often wade in the creeks. With their spoon-shaped bill they catch food from the water in a zigzagging manner. Greylag goose and Canada goose can be seen on the island all year round. On the higher ground, field thistle, royal herb, St. John's wort and loosestrife grow. Plants that attract many insects. So keep an eye out for beautiful butterflies and different types of bumblebees and bees. Water speedwell, reed and spindotter grow in the wet parts, which have striking yellow flowers in the spring. This plant disappears completely under water at high tide, at low tide the green and yellow leaves are still covered by a thin layer of mud. The island was created in the 14th century by silting up in the North River. Around 1850, one of the sandbanks was reclaimed and named after Queen Sophia, the wife of King Willem III. Around 1900, the Sophiapolder came into agricultural use, while a shipbreaking yard arose on the Rietbaan. At high tide, discarded seagoing vessels sail up the reed lane. The demolition work caused enormous pollution. In 1996 it was decided that the 77 hectare Sophiapolder would become nature to compensate for the construction of the Betuweroute. The shipwrecks were cleared, the bottom cleaned up and the freight trains now rumble about 25 meters under your feet. The Sophia railway tunnel is eight kilometers long.

all seasons are beautiful in the Biesbosch. I have been photographing and walking in the Biesbosch for years and it remains exciting. I take panoramic photos: https://panoramafotoxxl.nl/portfolio_category/biesbosch/