Nature Activity Centre Weerribben
Region
Europe
Country
Netherlands
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Name of organisation
Staatsbosbeheer
Funding support
Ministry for Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation
Number of staff
11 (including 3,5 Staff and rest volunteers)
Number of visitors per year
160,000
Overall aims of the centre
Information and education about all the features and the management of the NP- “Weerribben-Wieden
Description of the centre
The Total area of the “Weerribben” is 3500 ha. This is part of the National Park “Weerribben – Wieden” that covers 10.000 ha in total ( 100 km2 ). It is a marsh area with vast reed beds, hay meadows , quaking bogs and swamp forests. Characteristic species are: Otter, Large Copper, many , many dragonfly species e.g. Siberian winter damselfly (Sympecma paedisca).
The visitors centre has a permanent exhibition about the area in which you wander between screens of willows to discover something new. There are also temporal exhibitions. The centre is the perfect start for a ramble or a sailing excursion. Books about nature – for specialists as well as for children- are for sale in the shop. Boats with electric engines can be rent next to the centre and there are restaurant facilities.
The nature reserve Weerribben and Wieden holds the European Diploma for Protected Areas and the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
It is also a Natura 2000 area and Ramsar site.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
Communication with the region runs through the regional press and the website. A very extensive offer for schools is available and there has been developed a new trail for toddlers.
Groups can make reservations for an (sailing) excursion with the warden. Groups may book stay at the camp farm in return for field work under coaching.
The number of visitors is about 160.000 annually.
Top three successes
The so-called “Zompie” search path along the nature trail is a big success.
The school programme runs very well .
We hope the same for the special boat that has been built for bedridden people and their family.
Top three challenges
The organising of more arrangements.
More participation with third parties
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
Mrs. M. Braad
Bezoekerscentrum “De Weerribben”
Hoogeweg 27 , 8376 EM,
tel: +31 (0) 561 477272.
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