The stream valley system of the Drentsche Aa has become an altitude monument. The entire system of winding streams is one of the best preserved stream vallels in Western Europe and that deserves a monument status, according to the province of Drenthe.
That the stream valley system is so unique, “we are quite proud of that,” says Marjon Speelman, Aard Sciental Monuments Policy Officer Drenthe. Because that the Deurzerdiep is so winding now is special. “Originally it was even more winding. But in the 70s it was straightened, then it had to be dewatered for agriculture. But luckily it was retained anyway. Now we want to hold on to nature development and water and now it is written again.”
Speelman deliberately does not speak of meandering, she explains. “Meandering is a natural process. He can now meander again on his own. The stream valley is very wide, between the backs. So there is enough room in this area, so that the water can go its own way.”
Drenthe now has fourteen geography monuments. “Every municipality has at least one geography. Every geography shows a different geography. It is about soil structure, the natural history of the soil. The last three ice ages in particular have had a lot of influence on the bottom of Drenthe.”
The aim is ultimately to reveal eighteen geography. “If you have seen them all, you have a picture of how the bottom of Drenthe originated and what happened by wind, water and ice.” For example, the monument of the Kleibosch at Roden gives the Potklei that is in the ground to the attention. “That also causes special nature. At Orvelte you have the cover sand ridges, there are Orvelte and Westerbork on it.”
The best way to experience the geography is by going into nature yourself, says Speelman. Through an information panel about the stream valley system and the soil, interested parties can read everything about the brand new monument. There is also a walking route to walk and children can take a puzzle tour. “This is how we try to give the youth: be careful with our soil and keep it right.”