The Hunze flows
The Hunze Valley is one of the pilot areas in the RIWET project. During the project kick-off last June, the consortium visited and were suitably impressed with what has been done and how the area has profited from a long-term vision.
Festive opening
In 1995, Het Drentse Landschap, Groninger Landschap and the World Wildlife Fund presented the first Hunze Vision, which aimed to restore the river valley to its most natural state. Twenty years later, the Hunzevisie 2030 was published, in which an integrated approach to the river valley was chosen: on the scale of Groningen and Drenthe and in conjunction with this, investments will be made in opportunities for economic development, climate resilience, energy transition and quality of life.
Now, the redesigned Boonspolder and beaver area in Spijkerboor were festively opened amid great interest on October 25th. More than a hundred stakeholders and local residents joined the official opening. The Hunze can flow freely into the area again!
Citizen involvement
On behalf of the Province of Drenthe, Deputy Egbert van Dijk, highlighted the positive consequences of this redevelopment and praised the involvement of the villagers: "This project is really from and for the village. A wonderful example is the initiative of some residents to design a bridge, so that we can all experience this beautiful area even better."
Dry feet & water storage
Anja Woortman, Board Member of the Waterboard Hunze en Aa’s, spoke about water quality and water storage. She emphasized the importance of water safety for the residents and recalled that not long ago, sandbags had to be used. "Fortunately, none of that is necessary anymore and we have realized a new flood barrier, so that the residients are guaranteed dry feet.”
Wetland biodiversity
In 2024, quays were relocated in Boonspolder and the Spijkerboor beaver area to make more room for water and nature. New quays have now been constructed and existing quays partially excavated, allowing the Hunze room to flood. The dynamic swamp that has been created is not only good for the biodiversity of the area, but also makes it extra attractive for nature lovers. The wet nature conditions now provide habitats for species such as the otter, the pool frog and the beaver.
Beaver-proof barriers
In the Spijkerboor area, between the Hunze and the forest, there is a quay that has actually become too low to be a good flood barrier. To give the Hunze more space here as well, this old quay was excavated and rebuilt on the other side of the forest. Beavers have lived in this forest for years and can continue to do so. The new quay on the other side of the forest is beaver-proof.
To be continued
Work in the Hunzedal is still in full swing. The nature areas are not yet well connected and the agricultural structure needs improvement. Water remains a focus of attention in this special river valley.
Watch this space for regular updates!