Hoeksche Waarde
DE HOEKSCHE WAARD
The unique island of Hoeksche Waard is located close to Rotterdam and is part of it of the open delta to which it also provides access. The island is about the size of Vlieland, more than 32,000 hectares. The polder landscape consists mainly of meadows and some peatlands, creeks and small woodlands. The Hoeksche Waard is characterized by a long horizon, constant headwind, nature and culture.
The Hoeksche Waard was created after 1421 when the Sint Elisabeth Flood flooded the area and the watercourses in the existing delta area changed drastically. The newly born island continued to survive because users and residents responded to changes. Farmers, entrepreneurs and citizens have left their mark on the island for centuries. Fourteen villages, surrounded by fields and meadows, peatlands, creeks and vegetation give the Hoeksche Waard its own character. The endless polders provide wide views that are only interrupted by a dike, a village or a row of trees. There is peace and quiet. The island is an important agricultural area but also has great natural wealth. The mole, weasel, ermine and polecat feel at home here, there are bats and the little reed warbler, grebe, coot, pheasant, chiffchaff, willow warbler, wild duck, robin and wren breed here. There is also a rich aquatic life and special wild plants grow there.
Hoeksche Waarde is an online and TV series about the Hoeksche Waard; the people who live and work there and how they relate to nature and the landscape. In 2023, the Hoekschewaards Landscape will celebrate its 50th anniversary. With this series we map the area and convey how valuable nature is and can be. For everyone; resident or visitor, young and old.
