The water channels in the Noord Aa recreation area are for this purpose

An area with water channels has been created along the Zoetermeerse Plas, at Broekwegkade 17. Many Zoetermeer residents wonder why that area has changed. indebuurt is looking into it!

It is now a barren area with ponds and quays in between. Young trees have been planted and various water birds, such as geese and coots, float in the water.

Swamp Pearls

A new marsh pearl has been constructed at this location on behalf of the municipality. Marsh pearls are habitats for special plant species, such as rushes, sedges, orchids, water gentian and crab shear, willows, poplars and alders. These plant species in turn attract many animal species such as reed birds, grassland butterflies, water shrew, amphibians, dragonflies and owls. This so-called ecosystem ensures a lively area.

Against the blue-green algae

Every summer we are plagued by the presence of blue-green algae in the Zoetermeerse Plas, which often prevents us from swimming. The nice thing about the water plants in the marsh pearls is that they have a purifying effect. By allowing water from the Zoetermeerseplas to flow slowly through these areas, the nutrients from the water (on which the blue-green algae thrive) are absorbed by the plants and micro-organisms. Hopefully this will help against the formation of the blue-green algae!

Kite field

Not only will the area at Broekwegkade 17 turn into a swamp area, other places will also become richer in water. The so-called kite field, next to restaurant De Beren, has already been excavated into a marsh pearl in 2021, but the Prielenbos and the Benthuizenplas are also examples of these marshes. All these areas form a succession of greenery where you can see various insects, birds and other animals. Nice to walk or cycle along.

Also spotted a mystery?

Another mystery solved! Do you also have a question about a building, street, artwork, road or anything else in Zoetermeer? indebuurt is looking into it! Mail your mystery to [email protected].