Reptiles, turtles and company
Eight species of reptiles are found in the Netherlands: 3 species of snakes and 5 species of lizards. If you come across a snake during your visit, it will probably be a garter snake, which is not venomous and is often found near water hunting frogs. The viper, less common, evolves in drier and often forested environments. It is the country's only venomous snake. The smooth coronet is a native species, but the least common. It mainly hunts lizards and small mammals. Snakes are most commonly found in the Veluwe and Drenthe. The viviparous lizard is the most common. It is found throughout the region, particularly on plains and moors. The stump-sided lizard inhabits the coastal zone, as well as the Veluwe and Drenthe. Limburg is home to the wall lizard, found on the superb ramparts of the historic city.
Although turtles do not occur naturally in the Netherlands, emydidae, or freshwater turtles, are occasionally seen. These are stray turtles, probably from Germany. If released species can survive in the Netherlands, they cannot reproduce. The low temperatures in the areas where these reptiles live prevent them from reproducing, leaving the eggs in the soil. Reptiles in the Netherlands are therefore largely ovoviviparous.
Three illustrious mammals
The Netherlands has many species of mammals. We would like to highlight three that are typical and famous.
First of all, the famous Dutch cow, the Friesian cow, formerly called Dutch Pie-Noir, has a rich history. The war allowed it to supplant the other breeds in France, notably the Flemish red following the First World War and the Norman following the landing in France. This breed is famous for its milk production and is the one you will see everywhere in the Netherlands in the wild.
The Friesian is an illustrious horse breed that originated in Friesland. Its beautiful and lush black coat has earned it the nickname of "black pearl". A protected breed, the Friesian is very popular for show and film because of its natural elegance. The most famous of them is probably the Zingaro of Bartabas. Finally, a species that we like very much and that is characteristic of the nature park Zuid-Kennemerland, next to Zandvoort, is the Highland, a Scottish cattle breed that comes, as its name indicates, from the Highlands region. This hardy breed is known for its ability to graze. These cattle roam free and form a beautiful and authentic spectacle.
Superstar birds
Amsterdam's star birds are the many blue herons. At the water's edge, they can be seen waiting patiently by fishermen in the hope that they will share their catch with them. They are always photographed by tourists, who are not always reassured. At the famous Albert Cuyp market, they flock to the fish stalls to pick up the leftovers. Other typical birds include ravens, jackdaws, magpies and black crows. You'll also see jays flying around with acorns in their beaks in autumn, building up their winter reserves. Many songbirds are present: starling, hedge sparrow, blackbird and wren. Throughout spring, visitors are treated to the songs of the blackbird.
A flora that is impoverished
The flora, once of great diversity despite the small size of the territory, has been considerably impoverished due to man's control of the country and modern techniques, starting with the abuse of herbicides and insecticides. This past abundance, of which there are still some beautiful remains, is largely explained by the physical diversity of the country. The Zeeland delta, for example, but also long coastal dunes and sandy areas in the east of the Netherlands. As it should be, the agricultural requirements (agriculture remained one of the main activities of the country until the end of the Middle Ages) led to strong deforestation movements that, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem, caused its mutation at the same time as they multiplied the arable surfaces. For the same reasons, many species of animals have, if not disappeared, at least suffered the full force of the transformation of the ecosystem.
Trees galore
If the vegetation itself can't be described as exceptional, it's the many magnificent types of trees that should draw your attention. Elms, lime trees, plane trees, maples and chestnut trees shape the image of many cities, including Amsterdam. Closer to the water, you'll find various species of willow, ash and poplar. In spring, you'll see snowdrops here and there, as well as large and small butterbur and a celandine flower. In May, the flowering of herbaceous plants such as chervil and rapeseed can color the roads in white and yellow. If you have a passion for tulips and floriculture, a visit to Keukenhof is a must!
Smooth: Keukenhof and tulip fields
The village of Lisse (pronounced Lisseu) is the epitome of Dutch bulb and flower growing. This town of around 22,000 inhabitants is the spring flower capital of the world. The town is home to the fabulous Keukenhof, an incredible 32-hectare floral park that we recommend you visit if you're discovering the Netherlands in spring. Around the town of Lisse, equidistant between Haarlem and Leiden, fields of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see. In spring, these fields provide a fabulous backdrop for unforgettable bike rides. Please note, however, that out of respect for the flowers and the people who grow them, it is not advisable to walk near the fields to avoid damaging them. On some days, the crowds can be quite large. Every year at the end of April, a flower parade takes place. This parade travels throughout the bulb area (Bollenstreek) and naturally passes through Lisse. In and around Lisse, you'll find Pluktuin, or pick-your-own gardens, where you can have fun shooting the film that will be the buzz on social networks.
Two major events. Keukenhof Park is the living postcard of the Netherlands, from late March to mid-May. The place may be over-frequented and seem a little stale, but there's an undeniable magic to it every year, and a visit here is likely to awaken your inner child. Every 10 years, the Floriade exhibition is held in the Netherlands. The 2022 edition, the latest to date, took place in Almere. Its theme: Growing Green Cities.
Amsterdam, nature in spite of everything
Nature in and around Amsterdam is characterized by the presence of peat and clay in the subsoil. Water is very present in the capital and in other cities in the country: think of the canals, rivers and the IJ, opposite Central Station, in Amsterdam. Pastures surround Amsterdam. If you want to get to know nature better, a walk in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam forest) is a must, why not take a canoe trip in the Holysloot (maritime region) or take a walk around the square with the bus to IJmuiden (bus 82 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station). Amsterdam and the surrounding area boasts an extensive network of cycle paths, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings.
