Formation of ponds

The Loosdrechtse Plassen, now an important recreational area, are the result of peat extraction in the region, which began in the 14th century. In wide ditches, the peat was excavated and laid dry on the intervening dikes, known as legakkers. After most of the peat had been extracted from an area, many legakkers were eroded by wave action and the slipping of the banks. Particularly on the eastern side of these lakes, wave action played a significant role due to the predominantly westerly wind. This resulted in large open water surfaces. Some of these were later drained (Haarlemmermeer, between Amsterdam and Haarlem) but this was not desirable or possible everywhere. These lakes later acquired a recreational function, such as these lakes near Loosdrecht.

Teun van Woerkom