Kockengen Polder Reserve

15 The Kockengense Polder Reserve

On the other side of the Heicop you will see a special nature reserve of more than six hectares. lie. This is the Polder Reserve, a citizens' initiative of the residents of Kockengen.

In 1972, the Province of Utrecht granted a petition against the municipal plans for a residential area and from 1978 onwards one of the first new nature development projects in our country was created on the land that has now become available.

The nutrient-rich soil that was excavated was used to raise the ground for the construction of the new housing estate Welgelegen. A nice win-win situation. The nature reserve, owned by the municipality of Stichtse Vecht and co-managed by members of the local Natuurgroep Kockengen, has been designed as an example of nature as it used to be common in the area: lots of swamp forest, reed beds, coppice and flowery meadows and a rich flora and fauna. At the beginning of 2021, even the very rare otter was spotted again; back after 60 years of absence. The high water level in the reserve is remarkable: 30 to 40 cm. higher than the surrounding meadows.

Between the Heicop and the Bijleveld, which is located a little further east, there are unique reed beds, which gave rise to a thatchery culture here. Today, this area is part of an important wetland connection.

Route: Turn around and continue on the Heicop until you reach the bridge. Turn right into the Nieuwstraat. Walk this to the bicycle junction sign on the Voorstraat.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek