Forest types in the Netherlands: A Diversity of Green Treasures

The Netherlands may be known for its vast polders and dikes, but the country also boasts a variety of forest areas. These forests vary in composition, use, and history. In this article, we dive into the different types of forests that the Netherlands has to offer and what makes them unique.

What Makes a Forest a Forest?

According to the Dutch Forest Act of 1961, an area is officially classified as a forest if it covers at least 10 ares (1000 m²) or, in the case of a row planting, contains one or more rows of at least 21 trees. However, there are other definitions in circulation that may vary based on density, area, and tree height.

Four Main Types of Forests in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, we distinguish four main types of forests: production forests, shelter forests, estate and recreation forests, and spontaneous forests. Each type has its own characteristics, history, and functions.

1. Production Forests

Production forests make up by far the largest group in the Netherlands, accounting for 57% of the total forest area in 1985. These forests are primarily planted for timber production and are often found on former heathlands. Many of these forests were established in the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, although some, like the Wouwse Plantage and the Mastbos, date back to the 16th century.

Characteristics of Production Forests:

• Planting: Often coniferous trees such as Scots pine, Norway spruce, and larch.
• Structure: Rectangular plots with straight lanes for efficient logging.
• Purpose: Primarily timber production, but also increasingly for nature values and recreation.

History: Heathlands were extensively afforested in the 19th and 20th centuries by large landowners and organizations such as Staatsbosbeheer. This was partly due to the decline of sheep farming and the availability of fertilizers, which rendered the traditional functions of the heath unnecessary.

2. Shelter Forests

Shelter forests cover about 13% of the Dutch forests and serve as buffers against threatening or adverse elements such as wind and blowing sand. They often originated as sand-drift or dune forests to combat sand erosion.

Characteristics of Shelter Forests:

• Location: Along highways, in dune areas, and former sand drift areas.
• Purpose: Protection against erosion, wind, and noise pollution.

History: In the 18th and 19th centuries, large-scale afforestation projects began to control drifting sand. Examples include the forests near Harskamp and the Loonse and Drunense Dunes.

3. Estate and Recreation Forests

Estate and recreation forests mainly emerged from the seventeenth century when wealthy merchants established country estates. These forests often have a park-like character and are now also used by the general public for recreation.

Characteristics of Estate and Recreation Forests:

• Location: Surrounding country estates and near cities.
• Purpose: Recreation, aesthetics, and nature conservation.
• Composition: Mixed planting of deciduous and coniferous trees, often with exotic species.

History: Wealthy merchants and nobility established country estates with ornamental gardens and parks, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. These were later transformed into landscape parks with a natural appearance.

4. Spontaneous Forests

Spontaneous forests are those that develop without human planting, often as a result of abandoned agricultural land or heathlands. These forests make up a small percentage of the total forest area but are ecologically valuable.

Characteristics of Spontaneous Forests:

• Location: On abandoned heathlands and former agricultural land.
• Purpose: Natural development without human intervention.
• Composition: Native tree species that establish themselves spontaneously.

History: Since the end of the 19th century, spontaneous forests have developed on abandoned heathlands and agricultural lands. These areas slowly evolve into densely wooded regions.

Plant Communities in Forests

The plant communities in forests vary depending on soil conditions and water management. A distinction is made between wet and dry forests, each with specific plant communities.

Wet Forests

Wet forests, such as alder carrs and birch carrs, occur on moist, often peaty soils. They host species such as black alder, birches, and various types of sedge.

Dry Forests

Dry forests, such as oak and beech forests, occur on nutrient-poor, sandy soils. They are rich in species such as summer oak, winter oak, and beech.

Forest Management and Future

In the Netherlands, the focus of forest management is increasingly shifting towards nature conservation and recreation. This means more attention is being paid to biodiversity, sustainable logging, and recreational facilities. Projects such as the construction of ecoducts help connect fragmented forest areas, thereby increasing ecological value.

The preservation and expansion of forest areas are essential for maintaining biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, and offering recreational opportunities for future generations.

Conclusion

Dutch forests are diverse and multifaceted, with each type of forest having its own unique history and functions. From productive coniferous forests to protective shelter forests, and from historic estate forests to natural spontaneous forests, each contributes to the rich green landscape of the Netherlands. The preservation and careful expansion of these forests are crucial for a sustainable future.