Biodiversity in our monuments

May 22 is International Biodiversity Day. For Monumentenbezit, the built monuments and their green surroundings are inextricably linked. Moreover, we consider the green and the built heritage as equal; both components are both player and decor. Together they tell the story. No matter how big or small, if a player or piece of decor is missing, the play is not complete.

Especially for this day, we are sharing a few examples from our work on how we deal with biodiversity.

Protected species

Several of our monuments contain protected plant species. For example, the Ruins of Brederode a large colony of yellow wallflowers present as a protected plant species. This colony attracts many bees and butterflies. The protected tongue fern is also present on the site.

On the grounds of a number of monuments there are even monumental trees! Such as the Black Poplar at the memorial of Count Adolf or the trees at Slangenburg Castle . There are three monumental trees on our plot here: Jouglans Nigra (black Nut), Catalpa and an American Oak. These trees are part of a collection of trees in the landscaping behind the castle.

Due to the protected status, we are obliged to handle these plants and trees with care. But also for non-protected plants, we look at each monument to see how they can be given a place in the development of a location. For us, greenery gives an extra layer to the experience of a place.

New mowing policy

Greenery not only makes an area more attractive for people, but also for animals. For example, we recently abandoned the existing mowing policy at the Ruïne van Nuwendoorn. That may seem like a small thing, but it has a major effect. The ruin is located in a plot of grassland, with various shrub beds and benches. Previously, this plot was mowed regularly to enable the walk around the monument. In consultation with our gardener, we decided to apply a so-called 'Sinus mowing policy' here.

This Sinusbeheer is a form of phased mowing management that works with meandering mowing forms. This means that a winding path is mowed clear and follows a different route each time. In this way, various vegetation in the grassland is given the opportunity to develop. This results in a lively landscape for birds, animals and insects. With the new mowing policy, the walking route to and from the monument will of course remain available, so that the public can visit this beautiful natural location.

Overwintering and nesting

We not only attract new animals, but also provide a home for animals that are already frequent visitors. A frequent visitor is the bat. Various species of bats find a home in the winter, for example in: the Ruins of Brederode, the Grote Kerk Veere, the Sint Lievensmonstertoren and the Toren in Goedereede. We close the spaces where they stay to the public so that the animals can hibernate here comfortably.

We have more regular visitors to our monuments. Many of the animals build a nest at our monuments. For example, stork nests can be found at Buitenplaats Trompenburgh and Kasteel Slangenburg . A special habitat was created at the Naarden Fortress in 2021 for the breeding grounds of kingfishers , which are common there. Many other birds also know how to find the natural places around our monuments. Every spring, many chicks of various bird species can be found. But small rodents and mustelids also nest in the nature around our monuments, such as badgers and stone martens.