Theo de Bruin | 04.05. 2025
Balancing conservation with public access is a challenge for nature managers across Europe. How do you welcome visitors while safeguarding fragile ecosystems? Eurosite’s Nature & Recreation Working Group (NATREC), Natuurmonumenten, and Natuurpunt organised a study tour in November 2024 to explore this balance.
The tour brought together conservation professionals to exchange ideas on visitor management and the role of visitor centres, visiting the centres in Oisterwijk, Groot Speijck (Natuurmonumenten, NL), and in Meerhout, Grote Netewoud (Natuurpunt, BE).
The main objectives of the gathering were to exchange (best) practices and experiences and to inspire and ‘provoke’ discussions about the different topics. Special attention was given to the various approaches by which both organisations ran their centres. The primary function of both centres is to cater to visitors and provide hospitality. In Groot Speijck, this is given in concession to a private entrepreneur running the café restaurant. In Grote Netewoud, the work is done by local volunteers and finding this group of volunteers was a firm first step and a fundamental condition for developing the centre.
On the first day, we started with a warm welcome by Natuurmonumenten in Oisterwijk. After an introduction to the policy, we visited the beautiful building, the exposition, the shop and the restaurant. Fabio Tat (Visit Brabant) gave a presentation about the Interreg MONA project and the efforts to handle and spread visitor pressure over different natural sites sustainably.
Natuurmonumenten’s strategies for engaging visitors are evolving to ‘be present where the action is’. Mobile centres, including caravans, cargo bikes, and other facilities, establish temporary meeting points with visitors.
The program covered furthermore many aspects of visitor management and the role and function of a visitor centre as an instrument in hosting and guiding visitors. An interesting discussion and brainstorming walk was conducted in NP Loonse and Drunense Duinen, one of the largest shifting dunes in Western Europe. We had to walk in the shoes (or wheels) of four different use groups (dog owners and walkers, wheelchair users, mountain bikers and families with children). Through their eyes and needs, the zoning, infrastructure and other facilities were examined and discussed.
The second day was spent in and near Grote Netewoud, a centre in a beautiful old water mill. Again, we were challenged to favour the kid’s experience over their trail, with dirt, mud, a rope bridge, too low hanging branches and stepping stones. With red cheeks, we continued exchanging ideas on nature ambassadors, rangers, and ways to raise funding and members.
With 10 participants out of 4 European countries, we’ve learned a lot and look forward to the next opportunity to meet again. So much more inspiring, joyful and fruitful.
