Tiengemeten: a not widely known island in the Netherlands where nature rules

The island Tiengemeten from the air (google 3D)
orientation: left = North. right = South.

There is a not widely known island in the Netherlands where nature rules. It is located in the South-West of the Netherlands in the Haringvliet. It is small: 7 km by 2 km. Today only 8 people live permanently on the island. In 2006 the last farmer left the island. 

No agriculture any more. No tractors any more. All roads except one have been removed. Creeks were formed where once there were roads. Remarkably, there are no fences, only natural barriers like creeks. That's unique for a nature reserve in the Netherlands. It is an open landscape. A few trees are scattered around the island, but there is no forest. Scottish Highland cattle prevent new forest formation. Officially, the whole island is now a nature reserve. That means: nature rules. It is managed by Natuurmonumenten, a national nature conservation organization. The island is a paradise for birds and the place to go for birdwatchers. Next blogs will show bird pictures.

A former lock-keepers house is now available for holidays

ferries in the harbour

The only way to get there is with a small ferry for passengers and bicyclists and one larger ferry for cars (only 3 cars at most!). Or with your own sailing boat.

A harrier flying low over reed beds

Sometimes the landscape looks like paintings from Vincent van Gogh (above).

small harbour for visiting sailing boats (morning)

Scottish Highland cattle in the evening sun

relaxing

they look dangerous but are peaceful if you don't disturb them

Beaver meets Great crested grebe

This Great crested grebe (fuut) shows great interest in the creature that swims in the water but is not a bird. The beaver is not really interested in the Great crested grebe.

Beaver early in the morning

The pictures of beavers (there was a pair of beavers) were taken in the early morning. I did not see them at daytime. I think I was at the right moment at the right place. I didn't know they lived close to our house. There are no trees close to the water. It was a surprising observation. At first I was not sure what it was. An otter? A Muskrat? I must be a beaver. Image recognition software ObsIdentify agreed: it was a beaver. Later a moderator agreed. A nice observation!

in the morning sun

abandoned house overgrown with trees

Contrary to the Wadden islands (in the North of the country) visitors are not allowed to bring their car to the island. Except when you rent a holiday home. There are only 3 holiday homes on the island. One can go by bike or hire bikes. And there is one hostel. The holiday homes are renovated old farmhouses. So, one can say this island is for nature, hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers. I hired a small holiday house in May this year during the covid restrictions: no hostel guests.

Years ago Natuurmonumenten offered the farmers on Tiengemeten new land elsewhere to continue their business. So, no agricultural activities on the island. Only day trippers and bird-watchers. Thank you Natuurmonumenten for the successful creation of a birdwatchers paradise!

wind turbines on the horizon at sunset

The wind turbines are not located on the island but on the mainland. But you can't miss them. They dominate the horizon. But whenever they move I know they are producing carbon-free electricity. And that is a good thing!

Next blogs: The Birds of Tiengemeten.

Further information: Natuurmonumenten