De Biesbosch National Park

De Biesbosch National Park
Nationaal Park De Biesbosch
Hollandse Biesbosch near Dordrecht, Netherlands
Map of the National Park
LocationMunicipalities: Altena, Dordrecht, Drimmelen, Geertruidenberg
Provinces: North Brabant, South Holland
Country: Netherlands
Nearest cityDordrecht, Netherlands
Coordinates51°44′N 4°45′E / 51.733°N 4.750°E / 51.733; 4.750
Area90 km2 (35 sq mi)
Established1994
Governing bodyStaatsbosbeheer
www.biesbosch.org
Official nameBiesbosch
Designated23 May 1980
Reference no.197

De Biesbosch National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands and one of the last extensive areas of freshwater tidal wetlands in Northwestern Europe. The Biesbosch ('forest of sedges' or 'rushwoods') consists of a large network of rivers and smaller and larger creeks with islands. The vegetation is mostly willow forests, although wet grasslands and fields of reed are common as well. The Biesbosch is an important wetland area for waterfowl and has a rich flora and fauna. It is especially important for migrating geese.