Less nature and forests in the Netherlands, more built-up areas

The area of ​​nature and forest areas in the Netherlands decreased by approximately 2.5 percent from 2013 to 2022, the Central Bureau of Statistics reports.

This relates to a decrease of 158 square kilometers. At the same time, the construction area increased by 3.4%, i.e. 277 square kilometers. It is land for homes, factories, offices and infrastructure, for example.

The area of ​​agricultural land in the Netherlands also decreased by 0.9 percent (178 square kilometers). Mainly natural and forest areas have been transformed into urban and agricultural areas. At the same time, a new nature also emerged, especially in agricultural areas.

In the period 2013-2022, 131 square kilometers of natural grassland, 36 square kilometers of forest area, and 21 square kilometers of sand dunes and coastal areas disappeared. The area of ​​wastelands and washed-out sand areas has increased by 15 square kilometres. This also applies to swamp and peat areas.

According to CBS, the amount of nature that has disappeared varies nationally. The natural area and forest areas decreased further in the provinces of South Holland (60 km2) and Friesland (44 km2). In Drenthe, Overijssel, North Brabant and Limburg, more nature and forest areas were added from 2013 to 2022.

In 2022, more than 45% of the Netherlands' area will be agricultural. In that year, a quarter of the Netherlands' area was arable and horticultural. More than 20% of the Netherlands will be a “built-up area” in 2022 Natural areas and forests represent approximately 16 percent of the Netherlands’ area.