Schiermonnikoog National Park
Schiermonnikoog National Park | |
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Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog | |
Friesland, Netherlands | |
Coordinates | 53°29′21″N 6°13′55″E / 53.4893°N 6.232°E |
Area | 72 km2 (28 sq mi) |
Established | 1989 |
www | |
Official name | Duinen Schiermonnikoog |
Designated | 29 August 2000 |
Reference no. | 2214[1] |
Schiermonnikoog National Park is a national park in the Dutch province of
Landscape and history
The island arose during the last glacial period and its shape has been very variable since then. Dominant processes are sand drifting, erosion and sedimentation along the coasts, characteristic for a tidal landscape. In former times, only few people lived on the island, most fishermen. Around 1900, the state started forestry programs to prevent sand drifting. In addition, dikes were built to protect the island and its population. Some of the marshes were embanked in the course of time and transformed to polders for agriculture. During the 20th century tourism and recreation became more important and part of the island was designated as nature reserve. At present, we find dunes, forests, polders, tidal flats, marshes and beaches on the island, as well as a small lake and a village.
Flora, fauna, and funga
The island has a very rich fauna, and flora, and funga. In the dunes we find
Management
Recreation
The island is a popular place to visit, especially the beaches. Because the island is isolated, because the use of cars by visitors is forbidden and because there are very few inhabitants and farmers on the island, it is one of the best protected Dutch national parks. There is a visitors centre in the village of Schiermonnikoog. There is one campground and there are several hotels and restaurants.
References
- ^ "Duinen Schiermonnikoog". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.