The Noordwaard nature reserve
Where water is given free rein, nature changes. In Noordwaard, large grazers keep the area open to the water. Canoeing through shallow creeks, and walking through marshy and rough marshland, you might just come face to face with a water buffalo or konik horse.
The Noordwaard is an area of about 4,450 hectares on the Nieuwe Merwede, on the north side of National Park the Biesbosch. From 2010-2015 the area was de-poldered: what was once an inner dike area now became outer dike. The dike was lowered, allowing the Nieuwe Merwede to overflow its banks at high tide. It is an excellent area for canoe trips.
Where: at the Nieuwe Merwede, on the north side of National Park de Biesbosch.
Fauna: spoonbills, common terns, egrets, sea and osprey, Scottish Highlanders, Konik horses and water buffalo
Things to do: canoeing, hiking
Routes: Noordwaard canoe junction, State Forestry Commission walking route.
Parking: parking lot Polder Oude Hardenhoek or parking lot Pannekoek on the Hilweg