CONNECTING THROUGH COMPENSATION

In 2025, the Melksteeg ecological corridor project, a new 19.5-hectare nature reserve on the border of Amersfoort and Soest was opened. As part of fulfilling compensation obligations, the opportunity was seized to further expand the Melksteeg and enhance its significance as an ecological corridor. H+N+S Landscape Architects was asked to bring these objectives together in an appealing design. The result is a nature reserve that has been incorporated into the surrounding landscape in a natural and logical manner.
The project crosses the unique gradient of the moraine ridge from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to the river Eem, from ‘high and dry’ to ‘low and wet’. Until recently, this land was used for agriculture. Now, more than 19.5 hectares of new natural habitat has been created, including small woodland areas, flower-rich grasslands, and wet hay meadows. The selected habitat types were chosen to match the soil and water conditions. Hardwood floodplain forest and flower-rich grassland are being developed on the drier sandy and clay soils, while softwood floodplain forest and shallow wet areas are being created on the wetter clay and peat soils, which receive a lot of seepage water from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

DESINING TO SCALING UP

Initially, this project began with the asignment to develop 3.4 hectares of new nature, but during the project extra funding was secured. As a result, the project expanded to more than 19.5 hectares. A key part of the work was uniting stakeholders, aligning different interests. The project has successfully created a strong ecological link between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Eempolders.

COMPLETING THE CITY EDGE

From a spatial perspective, this development can be seen as a much-needed ‘completion’ of the city edge of Amersfoort. A robust forest block was added near the water treatment plant to improve the view from the open Eempolders. Furthermore, this planting also helps to conceal the nearby high-voltage substation as much as possible. The design follows the existing lines in the landscape: Woodland blocks, open (wet) flower-rich grassland, and hedgerows to facilitate a various interplay of open views with framed sightlines and seclusion. Ecohydrological and archaeological research was conducted to support the design process. The results have been translated into the design to preserve, enhance, and make the values readable and enriched the design.

ARCHAEOLOGY AS A SPECIAL FEATURE

The archaeologically valuable sites can be directly identified through the spatial design: These locations have been kept free of tall vegetation and have been raised in a convex shape using a maximum of 1 m of soil. As a result, the archaeological sites are better protected against external influences, and made readable through the distinct slope in the ground surface.

DESIGNING THE GRADIENTS

Beyond its role as a corridor, the area itself is also a new and valuable nature reserve. It is a mixed terrain featuring forest, rows of trees, ponds, ditches with wide, nature-friendly banks, flower-rich grassland, and wet hay meadows. This varied mosaic provides habitat for many species found locally. The design also utilizes the underground supply of clean groundwater from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to create high-quality wet nature. By choosing wide nature-friendly banks, robust forest sections with edge and transition vegetation, and ‘frayed’ forest margins, the aim is to maximize natural transition zones, enhancing diversity of flora and fauna.

GUIDING RECREATIONAL CO-USE

From the start, it was clear that the focus was not only on increasing natural value, but also on enabling recreational co-use. A new walking path has been constructed to offer extra walking opportunities and make the new landscape accessible. This will primarily be a simple strolling path with a few bridges. The specific terrain design subtly guides visitors while protecting the most sensitive habitats.

SMART PLANTING PLAN

The landscape strategy addresses the ambition to strengthen the area’s existing natural systems and create the conditions for nature to thrive and shape the further development of the landscape. A specific new planting method was designed for the project. Instead of creating large mixed forest sections we created smaller sections each dominated by one single species and carried out at different densities within each section to mimic variations in natural forest phases. As a result, the plants have better growing conditions, creating a natural forest mosaic with great variety.

RESULT

The realization phase has been completed, and nature is now allowed to take over the area. The project demonstrates how a well-designed landscape with a clear spatial composition cannot only be a service to the landscape and people but can also be a fertile basis for a nature reserve that will continue to evolve freely and gain ecological significance over the years.

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