Lauwersoog, Engwierum and Zoutkamp

For centuries, the Dutch have been battling rising water. Dikes, whirlpools, canals, cuts and lakes are no exception in the flat Dutch landscape. One of these lakes was created in May 1969 when the Lauwerszee was closed off: the Lauwersmeer, which is located on the border of Groningen and Friesland. Lauwersmeer National Park is an extensive landscape, where many different, sometimes rare animals and plants live. Many birds come to rest on and around the water, from geese, ducks and bearded tits to meadow birds that build their nests further inland. Because nature in Lauwersmeer National Park often goes its own way, trees and shrubs overgrow the landscape. In this way, the area gradually becomes dense and a swampy forest develops. The growth of this forest is at the expense of the various animal species, so the area is mowed and cut down annually. This means that you may suddenly come face to face with Scottish highlanders or Konik horses, as they graze freely in the landscape.