Westeinderpplas

The Westeinderplassen near Aalsmeer are part of an extensive peat and lake area.
The Plas (popularly also called the Poel) was created by excavating peat for peat extraction. In earlier centuries there were also the Oosteinderpoel, Schinkelpoel, Stommeer, Hornmeer, Legmeer and the Haarlemmermeer around Aalsmeer. Except for the Haarlemmermeer, all those lakes were created by excavations. The peat was a lack of soil, this was combated by draining the peat lakes again, this was started in the 17th century. First the Stommeer was drained (1650) and then the Hornmeer (1674).
The Haarlemmermeer followed in 1852, after which the other lakes were also reclaimed. Only the Westeinderplassen eventually remained. The Westeinderplassen, which have an area of more than 10 km², consist of a large lake and several smaller lakes. The lakes are connected by a network of small ditches. You can swim, sail, windsurf, row and motorboat. There are about 50 marinas along the banks of the Westeinderplassen. There are also recreational areas, including at Vrouwentroost and Aalsmeer (near the water tower). Beaches have been constructed at the recreational areas. From April to October, many holidaymakers can be found on and around the Westeinderplassen. Via the Ringvaart (around the Haarlemmermeer) the Westeinderplassen are connected to other canals and lakes such as the Kagerplassen and Nieuwe Meer.
In, on and around the Westeinderplassen there is a wealth of flora and fauna: fish, birds and (rare) plants. The Westeinderplassen is home to pike, eel and European catfish. The European catfish is rare.
Source: Wikipedia