Vogeleiland

Beneath the whispering leaves of the Amsterdamse Bos lies Vogeleiland. It’s a three-hectare haven, a hidden gem nestled on the western edge near the Groot Kinderbad parking lot. Vogeleiland, or “Bird Island,” wasn’t always a plant paradise. It began as a sanctuary for birds. The designers envisioned a landscape so alluring that various bird species would flock to the island. However, as the surrounding trees of the Amsterdamse Bos grew taller in the 1950s, Vogeleiland lost its open character. The diverse bird population dwindled. This prompted a transformation. Vogeleiland became a heemtuin, a garden showcasing different native biotopes. Dune landscapes, marshes, hills, and even an akker (a cultivated field) were created. Vogeleiland evolved into a meticulously maintained garden boasting hundreds of plant species. By the 1980s, management became less intensive. The ever-growing trees cast increasing shade. Many plant species disappeared. A revival began in 2011. Dedicated volunteers stepped forward to restore light and space to the heemtuin. Trees were thinned. Paths were repaired. Benches were restored, offering picturesque views. Vogeleiland changes with the seasons. Spring brings a burst of stinzenplanten (early flowering plants). Wild hyacinths, knolsteenbreek (Corydalis solida), and kievietsbloemen (Fritillaria meleagris) bloom. The Tulpenboom (Tulip Tree) becomes a spectacle when in flower. Summer transforms Vogeleiland into a wilder landscape. Moerasspirea (Filipendula ulmaria), engelwortel (Angelica sylvestris), and knopig helmkruid (Scrophularia nodosa) attract a multitude of insects. Butterflies and dragonflies flutter through the air. Bolderik (Agrostemma githago) and korenbloem (Centaurea cyanus) grace the nearby akker. Autumn arrives, and the herfsttijloos (Colchicum autumnale) takes center stage. Kardinaalsmuts (Euonymus europaeus) and meidoorn (Crataegus) display their vibrant berries. In 2013, the akker and the “Limburgse helling” were sown with wildflower seeds. Intensive mowing aims to create two flourishing grasslands. Vogeleiland offers a diverse experience. Check the Vogeleiland Facebook page for the latest seasonal blooms. It truly is a worthwhile visit within the Amsterdamse Bos.