On Goeree-Overflakkee, there is something beautiful on the horizon for every nature lover. Nature is unspoilt here and the coast, beaches and dunes are magnificent.Its location by the sea, the Haringvliet and the het Grevelingenmeer, and thanks to the Delta Works, have created special delta nature. Mudflats, salt marshes, tidal flats, dunes, marshes and savannah-like landscapes alternate.
Sustainable and green
The island received a Quality Coast Award Platinum for the third time in a row this year for good reason. This places it among the 5 greenest and most sustainable tourist destinations in the world. The alternation of fresh, salt and brackish water allows unusual plants such as grass of Parnassus, glasswort and autumn scrub to grow. There is also special wildlife to discover. For instance, the European bald eagle, wild flamingos, seals, roe deer, heck cattle and fjord horses. Just some of the animals that live here.
Forest ranger speaking
We asked forester Vera Willemsen about her top five nature spots. Vera works for the Forestry Commission and therefore knows the island's nature like the back of her hand. In her blog, she likes to take you to her favourite spots.
Vera's top five
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1. Bird boulevard Hellegat-Ventjagersplaten
I think the Hellegatsplaten on the east side of the island is one of the most beautiful spots. Forest, low bushes and trees, reed, grassland and open water alternate. If you drive along the N59 and look to the side, you sometimes almost forget that you are 'just' in the Netherlands. You see grazing heck cattle and herds of fjord horses. Countless birds also live there. The Hellegatsplaten are not accessible, but to still enjoy the area, a real bird boulevard has been created. This promenade consists of four bird-watching huts offering views of nature, the haringvliet or Krammer Volkerak. Marsh harrier, bluethroat, spoonbill and even the imposing European bald eagle like to be spotted there. Nice detail, the huts have a bird name: avocet, osprey, black-headed gull and spoonbill.
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2. The Great Hole
The creek area the Groote Gat is one of my favourites. It lies next to the Hellegatsplaten. And was created as a result of a dike breach in 1716. You spot many birds like bearded reedling and bluethroats. You can take lovely walks there. The bluethroat walking route runs through the area. It starts at the car park on the scaffolding dike. This is also the starting point for a walk to the vogelkijkhut Visarend on the bird boulevard. You can therefore combine the two very well.
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3. De Weel Ooltgensplaat
Small but fine, that's the special nature reserve 'de Weel'. You will find it on the Oudelandsedijk in Ooltgensplaat and, like the Groote gat, it was created by a breach in the dyke. At just under 4 hectares, you will be surprised how many different animals, birds and plants can be found here. De Weel lies along the cycle junction network. Many cyclists and hikers rest there and enjoy the view. The Forestry Commission is giving the area a quality boost this year. There will be a wheelchair-accessible picnic bench, a charging point for electric bicycles and the traditional Bosman Mill will be reinstated.
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4. De Vliegers
In a beautiful wooded polder between Nieuwe-Tonge, Middelharnis and Stad a/h Haringvliet lies waterway"de Vliegers". If you love flowers, this is the place to be. You walk along beautiful flowery dykes. And along the way, you will enjoy great views in a typical Flakkees polder landscape. In May, it is teeming with butterflies and bees that come to visit the multitude of different flowers and the water in the creek attracts many birds. There is a lovely walking route through the area with several vantage points.
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5. Creeks
Staatsbosbeheer manages the creeks with special landscape nature values on the island. I find it hard to choose so there are three more I like to mention. In Galathese kreek, you will see numerous inhabitants of the creek system during your walk. Marsh birds, geese, insects and small mammals have a good time there. Near the village of Herkingen is the ancient creek the Paardengat, from the lookout point you will enjoy the beautiful view and spot waders and waterbirds. And finally, the Koudenhoek near Ouddorp. A vast meadow area intersected by old creek remnants. The polder's brackish water attracts meadow birds and geese and provides colourful blooms. At the edge of the area is a bird-watching screen, where you can spot birds in peace and quiet.
Finally, I would like to give a few general tips. Take your binoculars and something to drink along the way. Dress according to the weather. And, not unimportantly, do a tick check afterwards. And finally, enjoy the beautiful nature.