At the end of 2005, the nature reserve in Den Helder was expanded with over 50 hectares of natural habitat. Bulb fields were converted into low dunes, dune grasslands, and water features. Come visit and marvel at the wealth of flowers, butterflies, and birds. Don't forget your boots!
A striking feature of the wetland is the haye, a ditch from which sand was once extracted to build the sand dike. Another notable feature is a dune ridge. When it's not too dry, seepage water from the higher dunes flows here.
The area is very wet during the winter due to rainfall and seepage from the adjacent dunes. Over the summer, the water level drops.
What's immediately striking are the first animals that have begun exploring the area, and whose tracks can be found in the terrain. Foxes, rabbits, and hares can be found here. Mariëndal attracts birds like a magnet. Greylag geese, snipes, and oystercatchers are seen daily, and of course, gulls also find peace and quiet here.
The floral display is impressive, especially in spring and summer. Species like marsh orchid, marsh sedge, common rattle, and common ragged-flower brighten the area.
