Circul van de Ooij - Ooij

The Circul van de Ooij is a historically and ecologically valuable area in the Ooijpolder, located east of Nijmegen. The area is bordered by the moraine, the German border, the Waalbanddijk and the Groenlanden. It was traditionally a clay pit that flooded annually, depositing fertile layers of clay. This made it well suited for agriculture. After the construction of the Hollands-Duits pumping station in 1933, the water level was regulated and agriculture was able to develop significantly.

The name ‘Circul’ refers to the ring of dykes that surround the area. The Circul van de Ooij polder district was established on 15 August 1580 and was responsible for water management in the region until 1958. Since then, it has become part of a larger water board.

The Circul van de Ooij is an area rich in bird life. In winter, large flocks of greylag geese, tundra swans and grey geese can be found here. It is also a breeding ground for reed buntings, reed warblers, coots and wild ducks. Blue herons and little owls are also regularly seen here.

A number of projects are underway to improve the natural environment. For example, connections are being made between the various nature reserves in the area, ditches and streams are being restored and the landscape is being redesigned to provide more space for plants and animals. The Nijmegen Bird Working Group has already noticed that there is more biodiversity than before.

The Circul van de Ooij is a beautiful place for bird watching. There are various walking routes where you can stroll through the landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.