Closure of natural areas in Utrecht due to high water levels | right Now

The Utrecht Landscape Nature Reserves Palmerswaard and Blue Room along Nederrijn closed to tourists on Thursday. Natural reserves will be inundated due to the high water level in the rivers and wildlife must be given the opportunity to search for dry land areas.

Wild horses, cattle, hares and beavers live in Palmersward near Renen and Blauwe Kamer between Wageningen and Renen.

These animals usually seek a higher and therefore dry part of the flood plains during high waters. Conservationists also lure animals by placing hay on plots of land that remain dry. But if walkers or cyclists have a fear of wildlife, the animals will continue to run into the water and may drown.

Previously, nature managers also closed Millingerwaard near Nijmegen, Cortenoever along IJssel and Munnikenland polder near Loevestein Castle.

Rijkswaterstaat reports that the water is expected to rise even more in the coming days. When necessary, measures are taken, such as opening dams. The reason for the water supply is heavy rains and melting snow in southern Germany and Switzerland.

Water altitude near Nijmegen.