The Kootwijkerzand will still be fully open to nature lovers this breeding season. Last year, the province of Gelderland took the decision to close off part of the shifting sand for four months to give nature a rest, but the province and Staatsbosbeheer have not been able to get everything completely done for this year. Village association Kootwijk Vooruit has been informed about the decision not to close the hiking trails until next year.
The closure of the Kootwijkerzand was part of the so-called recreation zoning plan Veluwe that was adopted by the province last year. According to the province and Staatsbosbeheer, tourists and recreationists disturb the ground-nesting birds and protected animal species and it has therefore been decided to open the Kootwij..
