Why are hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits gathering here in the spring? Welcome to the Landje van Gruijters. This small shallow wetland with muddy edges is quite famous in The Netherlands.
The Landje van Gruijters lies just outside the dikes. In the past it could easily flood in winter from the IJ and the Wijkermeer. Around 1220 the Velserdijk was constructed. You can see it near the fort running through the grassland. This low dike protected the land between Spaarndam and Velsen against flooding. Much later in the 17th century the Slaperdijk was built. The road from Spaarndam to Santpoort runs along it today.
After the IJ was reclaimed and the Zijkanalen were constructed in the 19th century the Velserdijk lost its function. The high dike between the Landje and the Nova Zembla ice rink is part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This Geniedijk connects Fort benoorden Spaarndam with Fort bezuiden Spaarndam. Soldiers could move unseen behind the dike from one fort to the other. The Defense Line of Amsterdam is a ring of forts and dikes around Amsterdam. This Geniedijk crosses the much older Velserdijk.
In the 1970s and 80s houseboats found a place in Zijkanaal B. It was a sanctuary without rules. Now the houseboats have an official status. They are connected to gas, electricity and water. Many residents feel connected to the Landje van Gruijters. The Landje is in the Spaarnwoude recreation area.
The Velserdijk was likely created around 1220. It was an extension of the Spaarndammerdijk. The low dike protected the area between Spaarndam and Velsen. The Velserbroek polder was created directly behind the dike. The Velserdijk was a summer dike. It could only keep out the brackish water of the Wijkermeer in summer. In winter most of Velserbroek was underwater. The dike was not high enough to hold back the water.
Before the construction of the North Sea Canal and the reclaiming of the IJ and Wijkermeer De Gruijters lay on the edge of the old inland sea. With the construction of Fort benoorden Spaarndam as part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam De Gruijters was split in two by a line wall. The southern part is now used as an ice rink by Spaarndam.
The Landje van Gruijters is freely accessible. You can walk around the area in about an hour. It is easy to see from the road. The Landje is located between the Redoute and the Liniepad in Velserbroek. There is parking at two places along the Redoute.
The water on the Landje van Gruijters is shallow. That makes the area special. Many ducks and waders can find their food in shallow water. Especially in the spring and early autumn the mudflats attract many migratory birds. Common Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Dunlin and Ruff can be spotted here. These are all waders that breed in Scandinavia. They winter in Africa and like to take a break in the Landje van Gruijters. Shallow water is a safe place to sleep. In the spring Black-tailed Godwits gather in the evening to sleep with hundreds.
Keep an eye out for the wildlife here at Landje van Gruijters and remember that every visit supports its preservation.