The municipality of The Hague and the Hague Bird Conservancy created a new bird resting area on Else Mauhspad in Benoordenhout last week. The area allows birds to nest, forage and shelter undisturbed. The closure of the new bird resting area coincides with the start of the breeding season, which runs from 15 March to 15 July.
Alderman Robert Barker (Outdoors, Animal Welfare & Environment): ‘In a busy city like The Hague, finding a safe nesting place for many birds is an increasing challenge. Together with The Hague Bird Protection, we are therefore creating enclosed bird resting areas with varied planting. Here, birds can nest, forage and shelter undisturbed. In this way, we support the birds and strengthen biodiversity.
Chairman of The Hague Bird Society Foeke Zeilstra: ‘Bird sanctuaries are the nurseries of the bird world: the breeding density there is up to eight times higher than in the surrounding green spaces. With the commissioning of this 13th resting area in The Hague, we hope that species such as the nightingale, which disappeared from this area due to disturbance, will return. In an increasingly crowded city, these oases of tranquillity are essential to maintain bird populations and prevent further decline.’
Cooperation The Hague Bird Protection Society (Haagse Vogelbescherming)
The new bird resting area was created in cooperation with The Hague Bird Protection Society. Volunteers from the Haagse Vogelbescherming will provide maintenance and management. The area will be closed off naturally with thorny bushes. Fences are thus unnecessary. With the addition of this new area, The Hague now has a total of thirteen bird sanctuaries.
Bird sanctuaries provide essential shelter and breeding opportunities for urban birds such as the blackbird, wren and robin. But not only birds benefit: small mammals, insects and plants also thrive in these quiet, green areas. This contributes to a healthier and more resilient urban natural environment.
Photo: Municipality of The Hague / Arenda Oomen
Alderman Robert closes off the new bird resting area from public access