Marker Wadden

An expedition to new land!
Marker Wadden, a sub-area of National Park Nieuw Land. A unique project that contributes to the restoration of nature in the Markermeer by creating islands using sand, clay, and silt from the bottom of the Markermeer.
It is the youngest piece of the Netherlands, an artificially constructed archipelago full of creeks and marshes, and for the first time in Dutch polder history, land has been gained from water not for humans, but for nature.
Discover this new habitat for plants, insects, fish, and birds. A natural paradise where you can enjoy a new beach, new walking paths, and new birdwatching spots.
Part of this route goes over boardwalks that run through sandy and marshy areas. A journey of discovery through new nature where the birds fly around you. Along the way, you will encounter three birdwatching hides where you can quietly enjoy the many birds.

The Markermeer was formed in 1976 with the construction of the Houtribdijk between Enkhuizen and Lelystad. Before that, the area was part of the IJsselmeer and before 1932, it formed part of the Zuiderzee.
Due to the construction of dams, dikes, and drainage, the Markermeer has hardly any natural shores and is no longer connected to the sea or a river.
In many places, a thick layer of silt has settled on the bottom, with significant consequences for the bottom-dwelling life. Additionally, during strong winds, the water is often turbid due to silt being stirred up from the bottom. All these problems have led to a severe decline in fish and bird populations.

The project, in which Natuurmonumenten and Rijkswaterstaat collaborate, aims at ecological restoration by improving soil and water quality.
With the creation of the Marker Wadden, a large part of the problems is being addressed at once; sand, clay, and silt from the Markermeer are being used on a large scale to create islands with natural shores and spawning habitats. An island means shelter, allowing silt to settle earlier, to the benefit of threatened animals and plants.
 

In 2016, the construction of the Marker Wadden began. In this first phase, it involves the creation of 5 islands, covering a total area of 10,000 hectares (= one-seventh of the Markermeer), making it one of the largest nature projects in Western Europe.
The first created island, 250 hectares large, was officially opened on September 24, 2016, by State Secretary Martijn van Dam, and has been accessible to nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts since September 2018. By 2020, all five islands are expected to be developed. 

Now, as we were there in September 2019, much has already changed.
The sand dunes are still bare, but along the shores, reeds and bulrushes sway, in the creeks, marsh lettuce thrives, and various plants are emerging on and around the silt fields.
More than 200 different plant species have already been counted, blown in by the wind and brought by birds and visitors.
Further developments are yet to come; nature is truly starting from scratch here. This is also unique, as we see this only after a volcanic eruption or in places where a glacier has melted.
The expectation is that the Marker Wadden will restore what has been lost:
- a place where migratory birds can refuel undisturbed during their long journeys between Africa and the Arctic Circle.
- shallow waters for fish where they can find food and spawn.
- a natural water purification system; during storms, the islands flood, after which silt settles. For the plants on the islands, this is a good nutrient base, while the turbid Markermeer will eventually become clearer.

Tip:
- Marker Wadden is a walking island, cycling and other forms of transport are not allowed.
- A path may be closed during the breeding season.
- Dogs are only allowed on a leash in the harbor area.
- Do not leave any waste behind! Take your trash back home!

Catering facilities:
- on the ferry
- island pavilion 

For more information and to book the boat:
https://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/projecten/marker-wadden