Junk or paradise? Rough grasslands Natural monuments deliberately choose to make the grasslands rougher in this area than in other places. People sometimes experience this as ‘unorganized’, but for insects, birds and small mammals this is a true paradise! The fields are sown with a mixture of grasses and flowers. This ensures a vast variety […]
Red Deer on De Hoge Veluwe
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is home to around 200 red deer during the spring. Only the older male animals (stags) have antlers; young males (stags) and females (hinds) do not. A yearling with growing antlers is called a ‘spitser’; the antler consists of two points that are yet to branch out. The antlers are […]
Mouflon on De Hoge Veluwe
During the spring, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is home to around 200 mouflon. Mouflon are wild sheep originating from Sardinia and Corsica. They were introduced to De Hoge Veluwe National Park in 1921 by Anton Kröller. Adult male mouflon (rams) have large curved horns. The females (ewes) can also grow horns but they are […]
Wild Boar on De Hoge Veluwe
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is home to around 50 wild boar during the spring and several more after the piglets are born. Wild boar live in ‘sounders’ which comprise a group of one or more sows with piglets and a few yearlings (‘juveniles’). The older males (‘boars’ or ‘tuskers’) live alone and can be […]
Deer on De Hoge Veluwe
During the spring, De Hoge Veluwe National Parc is home to around 200 roe deer. A female is called a doe, a male is a buck. Roe are smaller than red deer – not much bigger than a large dog. Only the bucks grow antlers. Those antlers do not have more than six ends, and, […]
Bee Oasis Ruigenhoekse Polder
Wild bees need wild flowers for pollen and nectar. They add pollen to their eggs to feed young bees as soon as they hatch. Nectar on the other hand serves as fuel for flying back and forth. Eighty percent of our edible crops depend on pollination by bees and other insects. Pollination is needed to […]
Welcome in Utrecht’s Largest Backyard
Noorderpark Ruigenhoek withholds beautiful nature and recreation areas, where you can exercise, play and relax. No matter the distance traveled; be welcome in ‘the largest backyard of Utrecht’. Be surprised by everything the area has to offer, throughout the seasons. Meet the residents During your walk you have the chance to come face to face […]
The Griftpark, from past to present
The Griftpark, from past to present This 7-part photo series connects the history and the present of the Griftpark. The turbulent history contributes to the unique character of the park. These grounds were previously used for the municipal gas factory and the Vaalthaven. After more than hundred years of service, the factory was demolished in […]
Types of Plants
Bats
The Utrecht canals are an important habitat for bats. In recent years, these valuable animals have increasingly been given the attention and protection they deserve. Bats still too often lose their winter habitats during restorations because cellars are heated. On the other side, in the quay wall, pits and other hollow structures have been made […]