Nederland - Blokzijl, De Wieden

‘De Wieden’ is a large marsh wetland in the northwest of the province of Overijssel. This part of the National Park ‘Weerribben-Wieden’ is managed by the Dutch nature reserve organisation ’Natuurmonumenten’.

‘Wieden’ are man-made lakes by the excavation of peat. If one doesn't touch marsh wetland (swamp), it will gradually transform into land again. In order to maintain variety in the area’Natuurmonumenten regularly digs new holes, just like the peat diggers used to do. Nowadays ‘De Wieden’ is one of the most important lowland peat wetlands of Western Europe.