Ode to the Meadow Mills / Part 1 - East

On the islands in the peat meadow areas that surround us, wooden and iron mills stand out in the landscape. They seem to have been placed there for the composition of your photo, but even today they still have an important task in managing and maintaining the peat meadow area.

Meadow mills have been used for centuries to regulate the water level per piece of land. The function of the mills is twofold. They use wind power to remove excess water from the ditches and keep the pasture passable for cows and mowers. Without grazing and mowing, the open landscape would quickly turn into low-lying peat forest. With all the consequences this entails for the historically valuable landscape that is so loved by meadow birds, such as our national bird, the black-tailed godwit. The meadow mills also pump up the water during drier periods so that the meadows do not become too wet, but also not too dry.

Once you have passed junction 93 after some time, you will see the Poelboerderij on the right. Please note: this is located before the lock you cross. The Poelboerderij is the gateway to the beautiful Wormer and Jisperveld nature reserve. An originally low-lying peat area with unique flora and fauna. There are numerous Meadow Mills here. The area is ideal for boat trips. Beautiful canoe routes have been set out. More information is available at the farm.

During the remainder of the cycle route you will see the Weidemolens scattered throughout the watery landscape. You will visit many picturesque locations and villages such as; Nailerboor, Jisp and Wormer.

An eye-catcher along the Westerdijk is De Herkules . This is an American wind engine and you cannot miss it. It was installed as a polder mill in 1922. In 1993 it was replaced by an electric pumping station, and now mainly has a decorative function in the landscape.