Staatsbosbeheer restores historic Veluwe waterworks

Staatsbosbeheer has begun the restoration of an approximately 800-meter stretch of historic waterworks on the Noorderheide in Vierhouten, located in the Veluwe region. The system of gutters, rapids, and waterworks was commissioned at the beginning of the 20th century by port baron Daniël van Beuningen, who sought to replicate the flowing water environments he knew from the Port of Rotterdam.

The water system serves both aesthetic and ecological purposes, distributing water across the area and providing drinking sources for wildlife. Now recognized as a national monument, the structures have suffered damage from weather, tree roots, and foot traffic.

Restoration efforts, which started this Monday and are expected to continue until late November, aim to preserve the original character of the site. Workers are cleaning the channels of sand and vegetation and reusing original stones and materials where possible. The project also includes repairing a culvert located beneath a walking path.