Size of areas in the National Ecological Network (terrestrial)

As currently defined by the provinces, the National Ecological Network still consists of discontinuous nature areas to a certain extent.

Current situation

The provinces have indicated precisely which areas are intended to constitute the National Ecological Network (Ecologische Hoofdstructuur, EHS). The EHS comprises a number of large areas, for example the Veluwe. In addition, however, a large number of small, widely distributed areas have also been designated. More than 100 000 hectares of the EHS (of the total of approximately 750 000 hectares) consists of areas smaller than 100 hectares. Just under 25% consists of areas larger than 5000 ha. The EHS consequently still consists of a discontinuous nature areas to a certain extent.

Technical note

The table is based on data on the designated EHS supplied by the provinces and compiled into a single file by the Land and Water Management Service (Dienst Landelijk Gebied, DLG). Some of the nature areas concerned have yet to be created. Because the provinces have not included all existing nature areas in their designation, these have been added (as they existed in 1990) by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Milieu- en Natuurplanbureau).

Areas located 20 metres or less from one another have been taken to be a single area.

References

• LNV (1990). Natuurbeleidsplan. Regeringsbeslissing. Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer en Visserij. Den Haag.
• LNV (1995). Structuurschema Groene Ruimte: het landelijk gebied de moeite waard. Deel 4: Planologische Kernbeslissing. Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer en Visserij. Den Haag.
• RIVM en DLO (2002). Natuurbalans 2002. Milieu- en Natuurplanbureau. Kluwer. Alphen aan den Rijn.