Natuurmonumenten is considerably tightening the rules for the use of nature reserves. For example, a visitor is only allowed to have a maximum of three dogs with them, drones are always prohibited, as is scattering of ashes and permission must be requested for, for example, a photo or therapy session in the forest. That will also cost money.
According to the nature manager, the stricter rules are necessary because nature is becoming increasingly busy. Plants and animals suffer as a result. “This involves trampling young plants or disturbing birds that are breeding. They just need peace and quiet when they are sitting on their nest, not that a group of adults or children are passing through,” explains Naomi Persoon, spokesperson for Natuurmonumenten. “If there are more than three of dogs, you see that they are forming packs. they do and go as a pack towards, for example, deer or a badger sett.”
From now on, according to Natuurmonumenten, the basic rule is that in a nature reserve only what is stated on the yellow signs at the entrance to a site is permitted. Any activity not listed there is prohibited. For some activities, such as taking wedding photos or organizing a sporting event, permission can be requested in advance. Obtaining permission costs money, which is spent on nature management. “I cannot give specific amounts, that depends entirely on what the activity is and where. Our forest rangers assess this,” says Persoon. “We don’t want to get rich from it, it is intended to protect nature.”
Don’t tar it with the same brush
Wedding photographer Christiaan de Groot, founder of the Masters of Wedding Photography platform, understands that natural areas need to be protected. “But there must be a distinction between a large photo shoot for a commercial, for example, or a photographer who walks into the woods with a bridal couple and at most an assistant or family member for some photos. You shouldn’t tar that with the same brush. I think it’s about people treating nature with respect and not just wandering through everything. Most brides don’t want that with their dress anyway. We stay neatly on the paths.”
According to De Groot, whether asking permission and paying will be worth it depends on the bridal couple and the photographer. “You already have to pay for some locations that are currently used by bridal couples, so that is not very unusual. But I can’t imagine paying for a few photos in nature, in a small group.” Paying for nature recreation is not new, says Natuurmonumenten. People who come mountain biking in areas owned by the manager have had to purchase a vignette for years.
Flowers and mementos are removed
Walkers, cyclists and horse riders must simply stay on the constructed paths, according to the nature manager. It is undesirable that influencers, for example, increasingly simply go into nature to record in ‘the most beautiful places’ and thereby trample plants and scare birds. The popular therapeutic, group ‘forest bathing’ also puts too much pressure on nature. Natuurmonumenten also prohibits the scattering of ashes, the placing of memorials or the holding of a farewell ceremony in nature. Ashes are bad for the soil and a ceremony can be disruptive to others. The nature manager removes flowers or mementos.
The impact is particularly significant for dog walking services, Persoon acknowledges. “We know they are not happy about it. But there is no exception for them either, because in addition to the natural damage that groups of dogs cause, we receive complaints from other visitors that they are bothered by it or find such a group of dogs intimidating. We understand that the exhaust services need time to adapt their business model, so the rules will only come into effect on January 1, 2025.” After an adjustment period of six months, forest rangers will carry out inspections and enforcement.
By the way, the ‘maximum three dog rule’ is not entirely new: there are already areas in and around Amsterdam where a permit is required for anyone who wants to travel with more than three four-legged friends. Dogs are only allowed on a leash in Staatsbosbeheer areas. “We also apply the maximum three-dog rule around some large cities, but in other places it is so quiet that we do not think this is necessary,” explains Staatsbosbeheer spokesperson Marcel van Dun.
Staatsbosbeheer also looks at other activities per area. “See it as customization. If a small yoga club comes every week, that is no problem, if it is larger the ranger will check it in advance.”
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