Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park grows from 11,324 to 21,323 hectares. The northern part of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug (north of the A28) located in the province of Utrecht is now officially included.
Minister Jaimi van Essen of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature agrees with the new delineation.
Large forest and heathland area
The new boundary follows the contours of the forest and heathland area within the province of Utrecht. Over 83% of the new park area is part of the Netherlands Nature Network. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is the second-largest forest and heathland area in the Netherlands, after the Veluwe. The area is characterized by different types of forest, heathland, sand drifts, and a high density of cultural-historical heritage, including many estates.
Adjustments
The biggest change is the northern expansion between the A28, A27, and the border with North Holland. This means that the forests in Amersfoort, Soest, De Bilt, and Baarn are now part of the national park. Additionally, some smaller adjustments were made to align the boundaries with the natural landscape. All ecoducts now also fall within the boundaries of the national park.
The re-delineation has no impact on the owners and users of lands and waters in and around the national park.
More information
For more information, visit the website of Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park.