On the outskirts of The Hague lies the Landscheidingsdijk. The Municipality of The Hague is developing nature here on former meadows that once formed the boundary between two water boards and the municipalities of The Hague and Zoetermeer. To mark the start of the work, Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Green) planted several native shrubs. These will grow into thickets that provide nesting places for birds.
The Landscheidingsdijk marks the centuries-old border between the Delfland and Rijnland water boards and is situated between Zoetermeer and The Hague. The Hague has acquired these meadows and is transforming them into natural areas. This project connects to the Nieuwe Driemanspolder in Leidschendam-Voorburg and Zoetermeer, which is also being transformed from agricultural land into a nature area. Alderman Robert Barker said, “At the border of The Hague, a beautiful new nature area is taking shape. Partridges and hares already live here, and many more species will follow.”
What will happen?
Along and on the dike, nature-friendly banks and ponds will be created. Hedges and other plants will also be added, and mowing will be carried out differently. The dike will be closed to walkers. With this approach, the municipality aims to bring back a wider variety of animal and plant species to the area, such as partridges and stoats. Around 16,000 square metres of new nature will be added. The plan was developed in collaboration with the Hague Bird Protection Society, and the Province of South Holland has provided funding.
What will happen in the coming months?
In the coming months, nature-friendly banks will be excavated and a kingfisher wall will be constructed. In June 2026, the banks will be planted with marsh and riparian plants. The landscaping measures are scheduled to continue until June 2026. According to Alderman Barker, this is a unique piece of nature in the heart of the Randstad: “It is a very special area that we, as a municipality, want to make even more nature-friendly. I’m pleased that the work has started and that we can already see what’s to come — a green area that offers peace for birds and other animals.”
Restoring nature
The Landscheidingsdijk in Leidschenveen is one of seven nature restoration projects. The municipality aims to create a quiet natural zone here that is largely designed and managed for nature. The dike serves as a buffer between the Nieuwe Driemanspolder and Leidschenveen.
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online