Prins Hendrikzanddijk - Texel

Our climate is changing, the sea level is rising, it is raining more often, the soil is subsiding and we are facing more frequent high tides. If we do nothing, Texel, which is largely below sea level, will be flooded. The Wadden Sea dike protects Texel from high water from the Wadden Sea. Therefore, from 2017 to 2019, a total of 18 kilometers of dike has been reinforced on Texel. The Prins Hendrik sand dike is part of the Wadden Sea dike: 3 kilometers of sand dike has been constructed in the Wadden Sea in front of the dike.

Living safely behind the dike

Today, by law, dikes must withstand superstorms that can occur once every 4,000 years. In 1847 the Prins Hendrikpolder was reclaimed. A review in 2006 showed that the dike here, last reinforced in the 1980s, no longer met the requirements for water safety. By reinforcing the dike on the Wadden Sea side with sand, scarce agricultural land was spared. This solution not only ensured a future-proof dike but also strengthened natural values in the Wadden Sea.

Reinforce with sand

It is almost impossible to imagine but this area has undergone a true metamorphosis. The idea to reinforce the dike with sand came from various interest groups on Texel. Thanks to the unique cooperation of the high water board with the municipality of Texel, province of North Holland, Wadden Fund, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Flood Protection Program, Jan De Nul and Staatsbosbeheer, the project has been realized. The sandy reinforcement is 200 hectares in size. That's as big as 400 soccer fields. The end result is very similar to the nature as it used to be before the dike was built. The result, a new dune landscape against the old dike and a salt marsh landscape on the sea side. The transition between land and water is now natural again. Due to the dynamic nature of the area, this part of the Texel seawall will once again meet the strict requirements of water safety for decades to come.

Development of nature

Nature in the Wadden Sea is under pressure. The Prince Henry Sand Dike contributes to the recovery and strengthening of the natural values in the Wadden Sea. As a Natura 2000 area, the Prins Hendrikzanddijk is part of the European network of protected natural areas. The varied and dynamic area consists of tidal flats, mud flats, salt marshes, beach and dunes. This area offers rest and space to all kinds of shorebirds such as the eider, avocet, spotted plover, oystercatcher and knot. Some of these species are struggling. Especially for beach-breeding birds it is increasingly difficult to find a safe nesting place, peace and quiet is essential. The wadden nature here is given room to develop in all its dynamics, the wind and sea will continue to shape the landscape in the coming years. Monitoring will keep an eye on the development of the area.

Experiencing the area

Through the dunes runs a bicycle path that changes halfway to the old dike. From the dunes you have a beautiful view of the Wadden Sea and the sandy peninsula. The footpath joins the Ceres detour. A short walk brings you to the lookout point with a view of the nature and animal life of the Wadden Sea. The viewpoint is also accessible for the disabled. The Ceres beach can be visited from the Oudeschild side. Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier is responsible for water safety and Staatsbosbeheer is manager of the new nature reserve.

Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier is surrounded by water. The primary water defenses protect us from this water. The reinforcement of the Prins Hendrikzanddijk is part of the High Water Protection Program (HWBP): a program in which the national government and water boards work together intensively to protect the Netherlands from flooding.