Reptiles, turtles and company
Eight species of reptiles are present in the Netherlands: 3 species of snakes and 5 species of lizards. If you encounter a snake during your visit, it will probably be a garter snake, which is not venomous and is often found near water hunting for frogs. The viper, less common, evolves in drier and often forest environments. It is the only venomous snake in the country. The smooth coronella is a native species, but it is the least common. It mainly hunts lizards and small mammals. Snakes are most commonly reported in the Veluwe and Drenthe. The viviparous lizard is the most common. It can be found throughout the entire territory, especially on the plains and moors. The stump-sided lizard lives in the coastal area and also in the Veluwe and Drenthe. Limburg is the area where the wall lizard lives, on the beautiful ramparts of the historic city.
Although turtles do not occur naturally in the Netherlands, emydidae, or freshwater turtles, are sometimes seen. These are stray turtles that probably came from Germany. If released species can survive in the Netherlands, they cannot reproduce. The low temperatures of the areas where these reptiles live prevent them from reproducing by leaving the eggs in the ground. The reptiles in the Netherlands are therefore largely ovoviviparous
Three illustrious mammals
The Netherlands has many species of mammals. We would like to highlight three that are typical and famous.
First of all, the famous Dutch cow, the Friesian cow, formerly called Dutch Pie-Noir, has a rich history. The war allowed it to supplant the other breeds in France, notably the Flemish red following the First World War and the Norman following the landing in France. This breed is famous for its milk production and is the one you will see everywhere in the Netherlands in the wild.
The Friesian is an illustrious horse breed that originated in Friesland. Its beautiful and lush black coat has earned it the nickname of "black pearl". A protected breed, the Friesian is very popular for show and film because of its natural elegance. The most famous of them is probably the Zingaro of Bartabas. Finally, a species that we like very much and that is characteristic of the nature park Zuid-Kennemerland, next to Zandvoort, is the Highland, a Scottish cattle breed that comes, as its name indicates, from the Highlands region. This hardy breed is known for its ability to graze. These cattle roam free and form a beautiful and authentic spectacle.
Superstar birds
The star birds of Amsterdam are the many blue herons. At the water's edge, they can be seen waiting patiently near the fishermen in the hope that they will share their booty with them. This always earns them many photos, by tourists not always very reassured. At the famous Albert Cuyp market, they gather at the fish stalls to get the leftovers. Other typical birds are crows, jackdaws, magpies, black crows. You will also see jays flying around with acorns in their beaks in autumn, building up their winter reserves. Many songbirds are present: starling, hedge sparrow, blackbird and the wren. Throughout the spring, visitors are treated to the songs of the blackbird.
A flora that is impoverished
The flora, once of great diversity despite the small size of the territory, has been considerably impoverished due to man's control of the country and modern techniques, starting with the abuse of herbicides and insecticides. This past abundance, of which there are still some beautiful remains, is largely explained by the physical diversity of the country. The Zeeland delta, for example, but also long coastal dunes and sandy areas in the east of the Netherlands. As it should be, the agricultural requirements (agriculture remained one of the main activities of the country until the end of the Middle Ages) led to strong deforestation movements that, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem, caused its mutation at the same time as they multiplied the arable surfaces. For the same reasons, many species of animals have, if not disappeared, at least suffered the full force of the transformation of the ecosystem.
Trees galore
If the vegetation itself cannot be described as exceptional, it is the many beautiful types of trees that should attract your attention. Elms, lime trees, plane trees, maples and chestnut trees shape the image of many cities, including Amsterdam. Closer to the water, you will notice the presence of various species of willows, ash trees and poplars. In the spring, you'll see a snowdrop here and there, large and small butterbur, and a celandine that reveals itself. In May, the blooming of herbaceous plants like chervil and rapeseed can color the roads in white and yellow. If you have a passion for tulips and flower growing, a visit to the Keukenhof is a must!
Smooth: Keukenhof and tulip fields
The village of Lisse (pronounced Lisseu) is the epitome of Dutch bulb and flower growing. This town of about 22,000 inhabitants is the spring flower capital of the world. It is on the grounds of this municipality that the fabulous Keukenhof is located, the incredible 32-hectare flower park that we recommend you visit if you discover the Netherlands in spring. It is around the town of Lisse, equidistant between Haarlem and Leiden, that the fields of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see. These fields are, in spring, a fabulous setting for unforgettable bike rides. Please note that out of respect for the flowers and the people who grow them, it is not advisable to walk near the fields to avoid damaging them. On some days, the crowds can be quite large. Every year at the end of April, a flower parade takes place. This parade travels through the entire bulb area (Bollenstreek) and naturally passes through Lisse. In and around Lisse, you will find Pluktuin, picking gardens where you can have a great time shooting the movie that will be the buzz on social networks.
Two major events. Keukenhof Park is the living postcard of the Netherlands from the end of March to mid-May. If the place is over-frequented and may seem stale, a magic however undeniable operates every year and visiting it will probably awaken the child in you. 2022 also marks a new edition of the Floriade, the world horticultural exhibition, with the theme of the green city. The pavilions of the different countries are sometimes amazing, often innovative.
Amsterdam, nature in spite of everything
Nature in and around Amsterdam is characterized by the presence of peat and clay in the subsoil. Water is very present in the capital and other cities in the country: think of the canals, rivers and the IJ, in front of the central station, in Amsterdam. Pastures surround Amsterdam. If you want to experience nature better, a walk in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a must, why not take a canoe trip in the maritime area (Holysloot) or a walk on the square with the bus to IJmuiden (bus 82 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station). Amsterdam and its surroundings have an extensive network of bicycle paths offering the possibility to explore the city and its surroundings.
