Natural water level for Haagse Bos

The Haagse Bos will get a flexible natural water level which responds to the changing seasons.

Haagse Bos

When it rains more often, the water will be higher and when it’s been dry for a longer period, the water will be lower. A fluctuating water level has a positive impact on the natural surroundings. It leads to a greater diversity in plants and animals and a higher quality in the area’s nature.

The water level will fluctuate within certain limits in order to ensure the area’s safety. The Delfland Water Board (Hoogheemraadschap Delfland) will start work in February and the project is expected to last five months.

The project consists of constructing a new water pump as well as a point where the water can flow into the forest. Once the project has been completed, the water level will be adjusted gradually so that the trees in the Haagse Bos can slowly get used to a fluctuating water level.

In August 2010 forest rangers announced that they would install a water filter system to clean the water in the forest’s canals and ponds. The forest would then be transformed into an independent polder which regulates its own water. Work began after the summer.