Nature Management

The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes make up part of the core ecological areas of the Netherlands and are protected by the Nature Conservation Act. From a landscape, cultural-historical and natural science point of view, this area is one of exceptional value (see: Natural values and functions).
Vegetation and landscape management consists of mowing, forestry management, grazing and management of cultural historic elements to establish a differentiated landscape. The aim is to restore or stimulate the natural landscape forming processes. In some places the processes are guided, in some places nature is let to take its course. The fauna in the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes is mostly self-regulating. In the breeding season (March 1 - August 15) disturbing activities are prohibited in the dune area.

In 1998 an eco-hydrological survey was finished on how to integrate water abstraction and nature management. Several plans are described and some of them have already been implemented or are being implemented at this moment.

An important side effect of water abstraction was the fact that the dune area desiccated. A large project has been implemented to stop this desiccation and restore the wet dune slacks in the southern part of the dune area.

The banks of the infiltration canals at the surface are being flattened and adapted for nature purposes. Together with a more constant water level and a better pre-purification of the water this should allow a richer flora with more dune specific plants. These gradients also give better habitats for birds and other animals.

Until the last century, coniferous trees were planted on the slopes of the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes to stop the sand drift. Coniferous trees however, are not natural vegetation for this dune area and have several negative side effects.
 

References:

• Cousin E. (1993) Natuurbeheer; in: Duin: Themanummer Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, no.1993-4, Stichting Duinbehoud. (33BCD1993)
• Gemeentewaterleiding Amsterdam (intern) (2000) CONCEPT: Terug in de toekomst, Beheer van de Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen 2000-2010. (33R4A1)
• Janssen M. (1993) Natuur in ontwikkeling; in: Duin: Themanummer Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, no.1993-4, Stichting Duinbehoud. (33BCD1993)