According to Joop Hellinga, district manager of Het Drentse Landschap, the foundation that plays a coordinating role in the construction of the lectern, the damage to nature is not too bad. “I understand the counter-arguments, but I think it’s not too bad. We always take nature into account, because we are obliged to do that. Moreover, it only concerns a few events, outside the breeding season.”
Hellinga also indicates that a new floating island will be created as a resting place for water birds, to compensate for the island where the structure will be located: “We are going to use old tree trunks from the forest as a basis for this, water plants can grow on them, and so make we will then make a new island from it, which will float further away, because this must not be at the expense of the animals.”
According to Gerrit Eerland, the chairman of the Friends of the Asserbos, the fact that few events will be held is a reason to cancel the plans. “It’s not worth building something for so much money that is then rarely used,” says Eerland.
Other concerns about the plan are the risk of vandalism and the lack of adequate parking space for visitors. “We are very concerned that the presence of a pulpit will attract vandalism and attempts to get to the island from the side of the pond, with all the adverse consequences that this entails,” said the Friends of the Asserbos. According to Eerland, there is already regular talk of loitering at the pond.
Hellinga van het Drentse Landschap thinks otherwise. “There is a chance of destruction everywhere. There are always bears on the road, but you should not be led by fear,” said the district manager.
In addition, according to the Friends of the Asserbos, there is a suitable other location for events, namely outdoor theater Tivoli. “It may initially sound nice to revive old times and offer the possibility of organizing open-air church services, but there is now an excellent alternative for these and other activities in the form of open-air theater Tivoli a little further in the woods,” says Ireland.
Hellinga emphasizes that although he himself is enthusiastic about the plan, the management of the Drenthe landscape is neutral in this matter. “We mainly have to sit down to weigh up the objections and ensure that all noses are pointing in the same direction.”
Eerland also indicates that there is no conflict, but that there are conflicting interests. “The forest cannot talk, we do that for the forest. It remains to be seen whether the municipality opts for history or for the forest.”
The approval of a podium is pending for the time being. The Drenthe Landscape is waiting for a permit from the municipality.