Sandy coast

The entire west coast of our management area consists of dune landscape. From Velsen to Fort Kijkduin in Den Helder there is a narrower or wider area of dunes that protect the hinterland from the North Sea. The west of Texel is also protected from the North Sea by dunes, and in the southeast dunes keep out the Wadden Sea. The dunes also form a nature reserve (partly protected), managed by nature managers. 

Beach recreation 

The beach, between tide line and dune, is wider and narrower in places along the coast. In summer, temporary beach houses and seasonal pavilions stand for summer recreation. And nowadays there are also more and more year-round pavilions, grand establishments where guests can be found in any weather. And water sports enthusiasts can also be found on the coast all year round these days.  

Watershed function 

The dunes form a protective flood barrier. Usually this protection is not needed, only during storms - often in combination with spring tides - do they prevent flooding of the hinterland. In some places the dunes are high, wide and deep, and the protection is in order for the long term. In other places, growth of the dunes is desirable, especially in view of sea level rise. Or other interventions are necessary.  

Mix of uses 

When managing the coast, we take into account all the functions and users of the beach and dunes, beach pavilion owners and beachgoers, residents and administrators, and the function of nature reserve, recreational area and, above all, flood barrier. Whereby we look ahead in time, with the Health that sea level rise does not threaten the protection of the hinterland. Therefore, not everything can always be done everywhere. We issue permits and enforce for a safe hinterland.