De Biesbosch: a story of water and nature
De Biesbosch has an important place in the heart of Bert Pauw from Werkendam. Mariëlle speaks to him on behalf of the Biesboschlinie and wrote a story about love for and commitment to this unique water area.
The sun shines over the willows and glistens on the water. Whistling comes from the trees, chirping from the reeds, and calls echo through the air. Anyone who visits the Biesbosch often will recognize this scene. Together with Bert Pauw, I walk along the osier beds and creeks while he shares what fascinates and engages him in the Biesbosch.
Real Biesbosch
"I am a Biesboschman, a real water sportsman, born and raised in Werkendam. De Biesbosch is our backyard, we are proud of it. De Biesbosch has a place in my heart and therefore things that happen here often concern me."
Walking past the reservoir on the Petrusplaat (= storage of river water with fresh water supply), Bert explains, "This is the division between the real Biesbosch and the Noordwaard. The real Biesbosch is the wet Biesbosch. That is a unique flow-through area, the original nature reserve. The Noordwaard is a constructed nature reserve. Important for nature, but in my experience it is not part of the real Biesbosch." Looking across the water, he continues, "The same goes for the Aakvlaai. It is landscaped recreational area. Nice to sail through and young people like to recreate there, but for me it is not Biesbosch. The creeks, the small water, the nature, for me that is the Biesbosch.
Tidal range
Bert remembers the past decades well. "November 1, 1970 was the moment the Biesbosch changed. The closure of the Haringvliet changed the tidal movement dramatically. Before 1970, you didn't dare just go into the Biesbosch. The tide took you by surprise; the tidal range was more than two meters. You had to know the Biesbosch well, otherwise you ran considerable risks."
"It was a turning point for the Biesbosch, I've seen it happen over the years. We receive more and more visitors, because it is a beautiful area. But the Biesbosch is not an Efteling, it is a story of water and nature and that has to stay in balance."
Watersports
"I am a real water sportsman. It is wonderful to experience the Biesbosch from the water. I enjoy it but I also take care of nature. Unfortunately, that does not apply to everyone." Ardent Bert Pauw talks about the rental boats with people visiting the Biesbosch. "It is wonderful to experience the Biesbosch. Fantastic when people come to discover the beauty of the park, but when they leave litter behind, it makes me sad. The solution seems simple to me: I hope boat rental companies will give recreationists a garbage bag.
The litter that visitors leave behind is often mentioned. Then I feel addressed as a water sportsman. But here the whole story needs to be told: I read in a news report that 44 cubic meters of litter were collected in a cleanup effort in the Biesbosch. The quick reader may think this is all in the inland waters of the Biesbosch, but most of the trash is collected on the banks of the Amer and Merwede rivers. This is waste that does not come from water sportsmen from the Biesbosch, but litter from all over the Netherlands and Germany. Not dumped in the Biesbosch, but it does affect the nature here."
Creeks are the real Biesbosch nature
"De Biesbosch was created by the people who lived, worked and lived there. They protected their land, deepened creeks and made quays so that their area remained passable. We have to make sure the area doesn't sag, because that endangers the watershed." His eyes light up: "Those creeks make the Biesbosch, that's Biesbosch nature!" As we walk, he points out a tree over the water to me. Look, so beautiful! Let that tree hang, this is what makes it special."
Biesbosch picture
Bert points to a tree, its white flowers standing out against the reeds. "Nature is awakening. Surely this is beautiful!" Further on, he gestures to the trees in the water, "This is another real Biesbosch picture. It is the ruggedness that is so characteristic of the Biesbosch."
We come to yellow floats in the water that close off part of the area. "Intervention by people is necessary. These closures are good, and necessary. Here there is real peace and quiet, and nature can take its course undisturbed."
Silence
As we stare silently across the water, we hear only the sound of birds. Bert points out a beautiful area to me. "That area over there is Maltha, you can hear the Golden Oriole there in the summer." He nods and says, "In the background you always have the pipes of the Amer power plant. You can find them ugly, but they are also part of the Biesbosch. They are always a beacon of recognition."
"I myself sailed a salmon scow for many years." Bert's eyes sparkle as he talks about this. "I was anchored at the Hundred and Thirty Hole. Deer walked through the water past the boat and a kingfisher landed on the edge of the boat. That's Biesbosch. If you keep quiet, you won't disturb nature and experience the Biesbosch to the fullest. De Biesbosch is an anchorage area. The best thing is to anchor here freely. And every time you come here, you meet the unexpected. Let the Biesbosch surprise you." Silent for a moment, Bert says, "I hope my children and grandchildren will also be able to enjoy this unique freshwater area. I am proud of our 'backyard,' the Biesbosch, I love it." Together we stare across the creek. Bert looks at me and says, "That silence, it grabs you, doesn't it? De Biesbosch really has a place in my heart."
Visiting the Biesbosch yourself?
The Beleef de Biesbosch website offers more tips on boating, hiking, lodging and more.
Also listen to the QRfgoed Biesbosch podcast "Let the water splash. The podcast is made especially for guests visiting the Biesbosch by boat. On start signs at Oversteeg, Jachthaven Drimmelen and Vissershang, and on smaller signs at various moorings in the area, there are QR codes that lead to the podcast. From the canoe or whisper boat, rented or owned, visitors thus get a whole new perspective on the lapping water, heritage and stories of the Biesbosch. Also available for listening on Youtube, Spotify and QRfgoed.nl