Balij-Bieslandse Bos

Recreational area Balij and the Bieslandse Bos are an important element in the healthy living environment of approximately 300,000 inhabitants of the Delft, Pijnacker, Nootdorp and Zoetermeer region. Together with Bureau Buiten, Smartland madre a development perspective and landscape design for Balij - Bieslandse Bos as an attractive and usable green area that provides a healthy living environment in an increasingly busy region. A varied area where nature and recreation are balanced within a coherent landscape identity.

Currently, there is limited cohesion between the subareas. The design provides for zoning to suit the users, as well as an improvement of the area and its natural and infrastructural features, so that a strong network of water, greenery and paths weaves the different areas together into a coherent patchwork. An area that meets the recreational needs of local residents but also has a regional catchment function, so that it relieves the pressure of more vulnerable natural areas in the vicinity, such as the dunes.

The approach to strengthening the area is layered: Good water management and quality, by widening wet structures, connecting wet spots and further humidifying parts of the area; Healthy nature and biodiversity, by enhancing, connecting and where possible increasing habitats; A strong landscape identity, by accentuating the low position in the area, improving the internal qualities and completing the green frame; Greater and better space for experience and recreation, by an integral coherent path network and appropriate zoning with reception and rest areas.

The perspective identifies measures and sub-projects that the Staatsbosbeheer and the municipalities can work on concretely.

Location: Balij en Bieslandse Bos, NL

Type: Development perspective, landscape design

Oppervlak: 550 ha

Client: Staatsbosbeheer

Participation: Gebruikers, stakeholders

Team: Bureau Buiten, Smartland