Have you ever dreamt of a forest springing to life from the desires of its community? Here at Legmeerbos in Uithoorn, that dream became a reality. This isn’t just any woodland. It’s a testament to the power of local vision, a green oasis born from the initiative of residents yearning for a nearby nature escape. Legmeerbos’s story begins with the Stichting Leefomgeving Schiphol recognizing the need to soften the impact of surrounding developments. They saw the potential for a green haven amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life and awarded a grant to make this vision a reality.
Legmeerbos started as a desire to mitigate the negative impacts of new developments like the N201 and the Uithoornlijn, and even to buffer the noise from nearby Schiphol Airport. Buurtbeheer De Legmeer championed this cause, understanding the vital role green spaces play in enhancing the quality of life. Resident Marga Moeijes spearheaded this dream. Her vision of “short walks in the green” resonated with the community. On October 23rd, alongside Alderman Ferry Hoekstra, she planted the final tree, officially opening Legmeerbos to the public. This opening marked the culmination of years of community effort and collaboration. It signified the birth of a new recreational space designed to enhance the well-being of the local community.
The creation of Legmeerbos is part of a larger initiative, the Bossenstrategie. This project is a joint effort by the national government and provinces to strengthen existing forests. It also seeks to establish new ones in an effort to combat greenhouse gas emissions. The province’s financial backing was instrumental in bringing Legmeerbos to life. The park is also one of the first completed projects within the Westeinderscheg. This larger area encompasses a water-rich stretch from the Oeverlanden and Amsterdamse Bos through the Bovenlanden to the Westeinderplassen and the Groene Hart. The grand vision for the Westeinderscheg is a climate-resilient space offering recreational opportunities for residents. It will also provide space for agricultural activities and allow nature to flourish.
Today, Legmeerbos is still young. But it holds the promise of becoming a tranquil retreat. It represents more than just trees and paths. Legmeerbos is a symbol of community spirit, a tangible representation of what happens when people unite to create something beautiful and beneficial for all. It’s a place where dreams take root and grow, much like the young trees that now grace this special woodland.