Right here, we find ourselves on the edge of something quite unique: the Diemer Vijfhoek. Have you ever heard of an island born from the creation of an electric power plant?
The Diemer Vijfhoek is also known as PEN-eiland. It is an artificial peninsula. This green space sits in the IJmeer beside the Over-Diemen power plant. Over-Diemen is the eastern part of Diemen.
Let’s journey back to the 1970s. Amsterdam needed power and the Provinciaal Elektriciteitsbedrijf van Noord-Holland or PEN was tasked with building a new power plant. To do this they started digging. The dredging created a large pit. The sand, clay and peat that was dug up had to go somewhere. It was dumped just outside the dike.
Over time this dumping created a new, marshy island. It became the Diemer Vijfhoek. Dikes were built around the new land. This protected it from washing away. The Diemer Vijfhoek now covers 80 hectares.
The higher ground on the Diemer Vijfhoek turned into willow woodland. The lower areas are mostly reed beds. The Diemerzeedijk runs along the island’s south side.
Today, the eastern access road to IJburg crosses the west of the Diemer Vijfhoek. Despite that, it is a space where nature thrives. Staatsbosbeheer manages the area. It is part of the “natuurlint” or nature ribbon along the IJmeer.
If you enjoy spotting birds, bring your binoculars. From behind a bird observation screen, you might see various ducks, geese and cormorants. Remember that the eastern part is off-limits. It protects the wildlife.
In the west, recreation is welcome. The nature here is robust. A walking path winds past pools. These pools were made for grass snakes. On sunny days, they bask on the banks.
Walk over the small bridge. From there, you get a beautiful view of the IJmeer.
The Diemer Vijfhoek shows us how industry and nature can coexist. What was once a construction project is now a haven. It is a testament to nature’s resilience. It is a reminder of our impact on the land.