Broekpolder

Between 1960 and 1976, the area (approximately 420 hectares) was reclaimed with harbor sludge from the port of Rotterdam with the aim of later realizing a new residential area here. Later the port sludge turned out to be seriously contaminated with heavy metals, drins and dioxins. No residential area was allowed to be built on this site. Through a citizens' initiative, the area has been given a nature and recreation destination. The citizens' initiative has been formalized in the Broekpolder Federation, which, together with the Vlaardingen population and landowners, has developed plans to develop this area, in which remediation of the area is always combined with nature restoration and the realization of recreational functions in a natural environment. Thanks to smart zoning, there is room for nature development and the realization of sports and recreational facilities in the area. The key point is that the area had to have a rugged character. The Broekpolder Federation has an agreement with the area owners in which the Federation has the right to develop initiatives for design and management. Over the past 30 years, partly due to the efforts of the Federation, the area has developed from a barren area with harbor sludge into a green and rugged area with a lot of biodiversity that is unique to the region. Be sure to visit the Broekpolder website and view the photos of the plants and animals in the Broekpolder