The Westerbroekstermadepolder nature reserve with mill De Biks in the background

by Marga Vroom

The Westerbroekstermadepolder is an important and beautiful nature reserve in the Hunze river basin, on the border of the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe.
The area has been designated as a Natura 2000 site.
The Westerbroekstermadepolder in Groningen is a dynamic nature area, anchored in the struggle against water.
Originally a swampy area of 'maggots' along the river Hunze, it was drained for agriculture in the Middle Ages, a process symbolised by mills such as the nearby Mill De Biks. This mill is located in the Onnerpolder and on the small river Drentsche Diep.
The nature reserve attracts rare marsh and water birds, while grazers such as Konik horses and Scottish Highlanders manage the landscape. For bird lovers, there is the bird-watching cabin 'De Kiekhörn'. You can find Grebe, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Little Grebe and Great Egret there. The white-tailed eagle has also been spotted there. The polder is mainly accessible to walkers and cyclists. Together with the Kropswolderbuitenpolder, the Westerbroekstermadepolder also serves as a water storage area for extreme precipitation and excess water, protecting the city of Groningen and surrounding areas from flooding.
The photo shows the vast landscape with a deciduous tree and a bench in the foreground where you can sit and look out over this beautiful nature reserve.