Visit deputy Anne Koning of province of South Holland to green beach Slikken van Voorne
On July 29, 2025 Deputy Anne Koning, together with Alderman Aart Jan Spoon of the Municipality of Voorne aan Zee , took a tour of the Slikken van Voorne beach. This beach recently received the Green Beach Pennant.
Green Beach
The Green Beach project is a national initiative to enhance nature along more and more coastal locations and to ensure that beach visitors can experience that nature. Stichting Het Zuid-Hollands Landschap coordinates the project in the province of South Holland. The foundation manages the beach.
The Municipality of Voorne aan Zee, Het Zuid-Hollands Landschap Foundation, Natuurmonumenten, Recreatieschap Voorne-Putten, Strand in Zicht Foundation, KNNV, IVN, the Dutch Kitesurfing Association and Aan Zee beach pavilion together form the beach community. Strand in Zicht is the leader of the beach community.
They are committed to conservation, education and monitoring. They work together with the municipality, local business owners and various nature organizations. This creates more and more opportunities for nature and nature experiences.
Influence of ebb and flow on the area
The Slikken van Voorne consists largely of salt marshes and mud flats which, thanks to the influence of ebb and flood, are never the same every day. This variation makes it an incredibly important resting area for shorebirds.
All kinds of things naturally wash up on this beach, such as seaweed and algae. Seals can rest on the beach, and shorebirds can breed and raise their young there in the spring.
Collaboration is key
There is collaboration on natural management of the Slikken van Voorne. Manual cleanups are organized instead of machine cleanups, nesting birds are protected, and tours and excursions are given.
Alderman Aart Jan Spoon says, 'Thanks to the involvement of many parties, we are able to connect nature, recreation and education. The volunteers are very important in this because without their efforts the area would never be as beautiful'.
Delegate Anne Koning adds "It is important that we as recreationalists take nature into account. The flora and fauna here are magnificent and if you're lucky you'll even spot a seal with binoculars. It is a beautiful area'.
Swallows of Voorne
This part of the Slikken van Voorne is closed to the public, but tours and excursions are given for enthusiasts. On top of Restaurant Aan Zee is a beautiful watchtower and you can walk along the edge of the area. Especially at low tide, you will see many birds. Want to know more? Check out the website Het Groene Strand.