Nederland - Callantsoog, Zwanenwater

The Zwanenwater (Swans Water) is a beautiful nature reserve of more than 600 ha nestled in the dunes, just south of the village of Callantsoog. The reserve was created in 1597 after the construction of the Zijperzeedijk; dunes, valleys and lakes have been created by drifting sand. Since 1973 the area is managed by Natuurmonumenten, a society for preservation of nature monuments in the Netherlands.

Swan water' has beautiful freshwater lakes - among them the two largest natural dune lakes in Western Europe, marshes, heathland, woods, dunes, flowers and plants.
There are more than 120 endangered plant and animal species living in this area. It is an important stopping place for migratory birds and ore than 100 species of birds breed in this nature reserve. Besides birds, there are many other animals in this area such as: sand lizards, butterflies, foxes, rabbits, hedgehogs, mice, toads, cattle, frogs and water salamanders.

In all this natural beauty several species of orchids grow. They are often well hidden among the hundreds of other flowering plants.