Did you know there’s a hidden gem nestled between the urban areas of Alkmaar, Heerhugowaard, and Noord-Scharwoude, where you can feel like you’re on vacation for a day?
Welcome to Geestmerambacht, a beautiful recreational area that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for peace, nature, or exciting activities.
At Geestmerambacht, you can wander around the vast Zomerdel Lake and the lush Huygendijkbos (Park van Luna), perfect for endless walks, cycling, or inline skating. And if you can’t get enough of water, you’re in luck. The park is surrounded by a picturesque landscape filled with shrubs, grasslands, reed banks, and flower-filled meadows. Here, you can spot countless plant species, stand eye-to-eye with a Highland cow, and even have spontaneous encounters with captivating creatures like buzzards, kingfishers, or foxes!
The Unique Kleimeer Bridge
One of the extraordinary features of Geestmerambacht is the Kleimeer Bridge. Underneath this bridge, you’ll find special “stay stones” and artificial nests (Barn Swallow nests). These stones and nests, visible from the side, provide shelter for bats and swallows in a quiet, secluded environment — no one goes under the bridge.
Moreover, the water underneath the bridge offers ample open space to fly into, vital drinking water, and plenty of insects for these creatures to feast on!
Bats and Barn Swallows: A Special Relationship
Barn Swallows create nests from clay and loam on edges and ledges in open barns, under wide eaves, or under bridges. The artificial nests below the bridge, shaped like bowls, have been specially designed for them. Since swallows prefer to breed in colonies, multiple artificial nests have been installed.
Bats, on the other hand, favor places where they can hide and squeeze into tight spaces. The bridge’s stay stones have been specially designed with grooves, chambers, and holes, giving bats the perfect hideout.
The stay stones and swallow nests are made of wood-concrete, a sustainable, thermally protective material. This helps maintain optimal temperatures for the bats and reduces the risk of overheating in the summer months.
The Buzzard: A Frequent Flier
You’ll often spot buzzards flying around Geestmerambacht. Their presence is due to the abundance of food available, such as mice and worms. With a highly variable plumage ranging from pale cream to dark brown, these majestic birds can be seen soaring high above, effortlessly searching for prey.
Ducks on the Water
During the winter months, many birds seek refuge at Zomerdel, forming large groups of Tufted Ducks and Gadwalls. You’ll find them peacefully resting on the water and foraging for food. Interestingly, these ducks have different “feeding styles” — Tufted ducks dive, while Gadwalls dabble.
Feeling inspired yet? Grab your camera (or a pair of binoculars, if you’ve got them) and head over to Geestmerambacht to see if you can spot some of these fascinating animals. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out other ducks in the area. Will they dive, or will they dabble? Only one way to find out!
Details:
Recreatieschap Geestmerambacht
Klaregroetweg 1
1723 PW Noord-Scharwoude
0226–39 19 05
info@geestmerambacht.nl
Website: https://www.geestmerambacht.nl/