Nieuwlandsreid - Nature
The Nieuwlandsreid is a special nature area in the eastern part of Ameland.
What makes the Nieuwlandsreid so special?
Between the Kooiduinen and the Oerd lies an extensive salt marsh landscape of around 400 hectares, which forms part of the Natura 2000 network.
- Extensive salt marsh area: The Nieuwlandsreid is a nature area outside the dykes, influenced by the Wadden Sea. There are no ordinary ditches here, but natural creeks that give the landscape a rugged and unspoilt character.
- Zoute Weide: The northern part of the area is known as the Zoute Weide. Salt-tolerant plants grow here, such as samphire, sea lavender and other typical salt marsh vegetation. Especially in summer, this gives the area a distinctive colour and atmosphere.
- Rich history: In the nineteenth century, this area could still be completely flooded at high tide from the North Sea. That changed in 1893, when the Kooioerdstuifdijk was constructed between the Kooiduinen and the Oerd. Since then, the landscape has mainly been shaped by the influence of the Wadden Sea.
- De Vennoot: A large part of the Nieuwlandsreid is owned by an old Ameland partnership, popularly known as De Vennoot. Ameland farmers hold shares in it, which give them grazing rights for livestock. As a result, cows, sheep and horses can still be seen grazing between the creeks and on the salty meadows.
- Living agricultural heritage: In the past, farmers took turns herding the livestock. Today, a permanent herder makes several rounds through the area every day. In this way, a centuries-old connection between farming, nature and island culture remains visible in the landscape.
- Birdwatching: The Nieuwlandsreid is a wonderful area for bird lovers.
- In spring, you can hear the skylark singing above the open fields, and during the breeding season the area is home to avocets, curlews, lapwings, oystercatchers and skylarks, among others.
- In summer, livestock graze between the creeks and the salt marsh gains colour from salt-loving plants.
- In autumn and winter, the area is particularly important as a resting and feeding place for migratory birds.
Practical information
- Cycling: The cycle path along the Kooioerdstuifdijk runs almost all the way alongside the Nieuwlandsreid. This is a beautiful route towards the Oerd and De Hôn, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds along the way.
- Walking: Several paths run through and alongside the area. Along the way, you pass creeks, salty meadows and open grasslands where you can fully enjoy the peace and nature.
Silence and space
The Nieuwlandsreid is not a busy attraction, but rather a place for those who want to experience the quiet, natural side of Ameland. Here, it is all about space, birds, salty wind, grazing livestock and a landscape that has been shaped for centuries by water, nature and islanders.
A walk or cycle ride along the Nieuwlandsreid beautifully shows just how special the eastern part of Ameland is. From the salt marshes by the Wadden Sea to the dunes of the Oerd: this is Ameland at its quietest and most unspoilt.
Furthermore Nieuwlandsreid is near the following sights: ’t Wastuuntje (±650 m), Buurderduinen (±850 m), Bureblinkert (±1,1 km), Kooiduinen (±1,2 km) & Kooiplaats en Nassaukooi (±1,4 km).
For information
Kooioerdstuifdijk, Buren, Ameland
Display Nieuwlandsreid