De Koornwaard

Last week, I started to explore the first areas for my new assignment for Staatsbosbeheer, the Dutch organisation for nature reserve management. Discovering an amazing area so close to home – ‘de Koornwaard’ in Heukelum – was a big surprise, as were the many kingfishers that flashed by (obviously much too fast to capture in a photo!). De Koornwaard is a former sand extraction lake that’s been ‘handed back’ to nature. It has recently undergone extensive redevelopment, which has resulted in more diverse ecology. A tip: there’s a wonderful, varied ‘Orchid Walking Route’ all around the lake – which promises even more for later in the season. So… I’ll be back!