glimpses
In addition to bringing back the many bends in the stream, there will be a fish passage at two weirs. Space is also being made for water storage. In the area, more water is retained in the stream itself, in the remains of the current course and in various depressions and ditches. Between De Branden and the adjacent Drouwenerzand nature reserve, there will be vistas in the existing wooded banks.
The recovery of the stream in the municipality of Borger-Odoorn still awaits a major, comparable task: the Bronnegermaden south-east of Borger. Galetzka cannot yet say anything about this next chapter. “Except that it’s being seriously thought through for now.”
Hiking and biking trails
In addition to nature restoration and water management, the project around the Hunze also offers recreational opportunities, says Aries Kuiper of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn. “We received a signal from local residents that they would like to enter the area.” This wish has been met by including equestrian, walking and cycling paths in the plan.
Together with the neighbors of the municipalities of Aa en Hunze and Tynaarlo, work is also being done on a bicycle route along the banks of the Hunze. This is a through route between Westdorp and the Zuidlaardermeer. With linked loops at each surrounding village. “It enables users of the route to thoroughly explore the area.”
The route connects to the existing bicycle junction network. “We partly use existing roads. Where that is missing or the road surface has deteriorated, we place new concrete or we repair it.”
Archaeological experience point
At De Branden, consideration is being given to installing an archaeological experience point. “The starting point is to create a place that reflects on the old inhabitants of yesteryear, the hunters and gatherers.”
One of the ideas is to display old tools, such as hand axes. “Things you normally see in a museum. You probably have to work with replicas.” There is also a lot of thinking going on here. “It won’t be an amusement park,” Kuiper laughs. “But the bar is high as far as I’m concerned.”