Welcome to Midden-Delfland

EN
Welcome to Midden-Delfland
www.middendelfland.nl
Welcome to Midden-Delfland
This booklet contains information on the unique qualities­
of Midden-Delfland, a typically Dutch municipality with
valuable agricultural open peat meadow landscapes
where cows graze in the fields. Those who choose to
walk, cycle or sail through this green and water-rich
area between the cities of Rotterdam and The Hague will
enjoy the outstanding nature and unique history that it
has to offer. With its rural living environment and its rich
cultural history, the municipality is a great place to live
and work.
Together with residents, local businesses, organisations­
and other local authorities the municipality strives
to preserve and strengthen the qualities of MiddenDelfland. These groups outlined the municipality’s future
during various meetings. The area vision ‘MiddenDelfland® 2025’ and the ‘Vital Villages vision’ (visie Vitale
Dorpen) were the result of this cooperation.
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We are proud to say that Midden-Delfland was the first Dutch municipality to
become a Cittaslow in 2008. This is the worldwide network of municipalities that
strive to improve quality of life. A Cittaslow cherishes its authentic and traditional
character whilst stimulating progress through the use of innovative techniques. A
Cittaslow stimulated awareness and inspires people. Midden-Delfland is the perfect
example of this, with sustainability and quality always playing an important role in
the municipality. Preserving traditional local trades, and having respect for nature
whilst stimulating innovation are important in achieving this.
I would like to invite you to come and experience our unique landscape and
our hospitality for yourself. This booklet gives you an insight into what we have
to offer.
Arnoud Rodenburg, mayor Midden-Delfland
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Unique cultural historical landscape
The municipality Midden-Delfland has a rich history. Parts of the area were already
inhabited in The Stone Age, The Iron Age and the Roman era. Visitors to MiddenDelfland will find many important historical attributes in the polder landscape. The
field patterns date from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Many old farms stand
on creek ridges, the term also given to the higher-situated areas of the landscape.
These ridges were originally narrow rivers which flew to the sea. Tidal movements
caused these to be filled with clay and sand, types of materials which don’t embed
as readily as peat. And it was this process that resulted in the elevations in the
landscape which humans have used for human settlement since ancient times.
The unique cultural historical polder landscape of Midden-Delfland
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The farmer as landscape manager
The farming industry has left its cultural historical mark on Midden-Delfland.
Evidence of farming has been found dating back to the sixteenth century. In fact,
the oldest farms in the Netherlands are found in Midden-Delfland. Milk has been
churned into butter and cheese here for centuries. And it still is at the Van Winden
family’s farm in Schipluiden.
The many agricultural businesses work in a modern manner, with awareness
for their surroundings. Their brown and black mottled cows which graze in the
meadows, the protection of field birds and shelterbelts are valuable to MiddenDelfland. The farmers’ efforts have meant that the traditional character
of the landscape has been preserved to the best extent. To further strengthen
the farming industry and the position of the region, famers make use of the
study and knowledge development programme Duurzaam Boer Blijven (Remaining
a Sustainable Farmer). The agricultural business are united in the agricultural
nature association Vockestaert.
Cows in the meadow in the Annahoeve (Anna Farm) in Schipluiden
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Memories of times gone by
The history of the water-rich landscape in Midden-Delfland is intertwined with
modern methods used there. For example, alongside the wind water mills stand
both traditional and modern mills. Together they ensure that the polders remain
dry. The corn mills on the water’s edge remind one of the grain milling which
used to take place here.
Various old church paths wind their way through the fields. These used to be
used primarily on Sundays as the shortest route to church. Nowadays the paths
take you directly through the herds of grazing cows and allow you to fully
appreciate the beautiful open peat meadow area. The embankments between
Delft, Maassluis and Vlaardingen were used for centuries as a towing route for
barges. Horses pulled the barges along with the use of towing ropes. Small
bridges with descending railings, bollards and the Paardenbrug (Horse Bridge)
in Schipluiden are reminders of this era.
Two duck decoys can be found in Midden-Delfland. These used to be used to
capture poultry. The narrow polder roads with rows of pollard willows and the
open landscape are also characteristic of the area.
The map of Floris Balthasarzoon (1615) shows the main structure of the polder landscape of
Midden-Delfland. The layout is the same now as it was then.
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Vlietlands
The low-lying peat area of the Vlietlands (creek lands) at
Maasland are particularly unique. This beautiful swampy
marshland with its purple glow of orchids in the spring
came into being in the fourteenth century as a result of
canal-digging, or what are otherwise known as vliets (creeks).
The area was never drained and as a result the peat is not
embedded, elevating the Vlietlands against the surrounding
polders. By boat or canoe you have an amazing view of
this paradise of orchids and birds. The area is property of
Natuurmonumenten.
The Vlietlands
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Villages with a rich history
The municipality Midden-Delfland consists of the
villages Den Hoorn, Maasland and Schipluiden. The
hamlets ‘t Woudt and De Zweth are also part of the
municipality. They each have their own particular
atmosphere and history. Den Hoorn has grown from
an industrial gardening village to the modern village
it is today and Schipluiden is highly oriented towards
cattle farming. Historical Maasland is as a whole a
protected village and has maintained its peaceful­
atmosphere. ‘t Woudt, rich in cultural historical
buildings, lies in a unique environment of peace and
tranquillity, and De Zweth is located on a strategic
position on the river Schie. Midden-Delfland has many
monuments for visitors to admire. A visit to one of
the picturesque museums takes you back in time.
Take for example the Tramstation in Schipluiden or
The monumental centre of Maasland
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De Schilpen in Maasland. This museum has various period
rooms from around 1900 and a grocery. All are villages with
a rich history.
Unique living environment
The process of development in the villages takes into
account the cultural history and the housing needs of both
the young and old. The location of the villages offers a
unique living environment. Alongside the advantages of living
in a village in a polder landscape, residents can also enjoy
the surrounding cities with all their facilities.
De Schilpen in Maasland
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Activities for you to enjoy in hospitable
Midden-Delfland
The polder landscape of Midden-Delfland can be discovered on foot, by bike or
by boat. Polder roads, rows of pollard willows, and water ways with small bridges
and reed borders decorate the region. An outing can be completed with a visit to a
local traditional company, such as a grape farmer or beekeeper, and a guided trip
on the round-trip boat. On a culinary level Midden-Delfland has something to suit
every taste and budget: from an intimate restaurant and organic lunch room to
an atmospheric Michelin star restaurant. Between the Kwakelweg and recreational­
area the Broekpolder the Kwakel ferry sails through the nature area of the
Vlietlands. The ferry also docks at the café Het Jachthuis (The Hunting House).
Taking the ferry, which is run by volunteers, makes the walking and cycling
routes even more of an experience to be enjoyed! For those who wish to stay
overnight there are many camping sites and bed & breakfasts on offer. Regional
organisations and businesses cooperate within the Stichting Groen Goud (Green
Gold Foundation) to increase the hospitality and accommodation possibilities
in Midden-Delfland. Local businesses have bundled their arrangements on
www.middeninhetdelfland.nl.
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Cittaslow Midden-Delfland
The municipality Midden-Delfland was named the First Dutch Cittaslow on
the 28th of June 2008. Cittaslow is a worldwide movement of around 150
municipalities. This network strives to achieve the highest quality on the
aspects of landscape, infrastructure, preservation of regional produce, the
environment, cultural history, quality of life, awareness and hospitality. Ever
more municipalities are joining the Cittaslow network and cooperate to
improve quality of life by cherishing their authenticity and by implementing
new techniques. The municipalities monitor the progress of the areas where
attention is needed by allowing progress to be measured.
See for more information the website www.cittaslow-nederland.nl
Bed & Breakfast Rechthuis van Zouteveen in Schipluiden
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Sustainable enterprise
Midden-Delfland is bustling with the activity of involved businesses, residents
and the municipality. Everyone cooperates intensively to further develop the
sustainable­enterprise climate. An example is an initiative of dairy farmers to
exploit their businesses in as sustainable a manner as is possible. Their new
way of working is based on the principles of recyclable farming. Strengthening
business power and the link agricultural businesses have with the region
go hand in hand. The dairy farming industry is of double value in that it is an
important economic earner in the region and has traditionally been the manager
of the typical open peat meadow landscape.
Furthermore, Midden-Delfland also has a substantial industrial gardening sector,­
where sustainable enterprise, quality and innovation are key concepts. Our hightech industrial gardening companies invest in an organic and environmentally
friendly cultivating process and in improving the quality of the products. An
example is the new cultivation system ‘Dry Hydroponics’, co-developed by the
company TopKrop in Schipluiden. This floating system allows a plant, for example
lettuce, to be cultivated above water. It gives the plant a strong and balanced root
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system in turn making for a healthier crop. The amount of water needed is highly
reduced as a result and the labour conditions are also a lot more agreeable.
Sustainability is also taken into account in spatial development, such as with
development of the Maaslandse Dam. The setting of the former greenhouse area
has a lot of open, green space. The people who run businesses on the Maaslandse
Dam live there too. This makes the Maaslandse Dam a unique and hospitable
area with sustainable businesses in recreation, relaxation and the hotel and
catering industry.­Another example is the top-rate business district HarnaschPolder
that is being built in Den Hoorn and which is situated strategically on the A4
Midden-Delfland. Next to it lies one of Europe’s largest water purification
installations. This modern, innovative installation purifies waste water with the
use of organic techniques.
Local businesses in Midden-Delfland attach value to sustainable enterprise
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Local traditional products
Local businesses in Midden-Delfland produce fine regional
products which have their roots in the local or regional
culture. Shops selling local traditional products, farming
businesses and horticulturists welcome visitors. They will
gladly show you around and demonstrate how the regional
products are made. You can sample organically grown
grapes, apples and pears, as well as the delicious varieties
of jam, cheese, honey and mustard. In the summer real
farmer’s dairy ice cream is made from fresh milk.
‘Het druivenbommetje’ (the little grape bomb), which originated
through cooperation between the organic grape farmer Nieuw
Tuinzight in Den Hoorn and baker Holtkamp in Schipluiden, and the
traditional cheese from the Van Winden Farm in Schipluiden are
examples of typical Midden-Delfland regional products
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Regional produce is served in the various hotels and
eating establishments. For example, in the outdoor
recreational area Op Hodenpijl the pork is fresh from
their own pigs, the eggs are laid by the farm chickens,
and the goats provide fresh milk. There are many events
held the whole year round where regional products are
sold, such as the ever popular Midden-Delfland Day
in June and the Tuin van de Randstad (Garden of the
Randstad) in October.
Left: Op Hodenpijl in Schipluiden is an outdoor recreational area
where nature, culture, art, health and wellbeing come together.
De Herdershof restaurant serves meals which are prepared with
respect for nature
Right: Midden-Delfland regional products are widely available,
including at the Albert Heijn supermarket in Maasland and
Schipluiden
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Unique open landscape in the
Randstad
Midden-Delfland is the green oasis for two million residents of
the urban areas of Rotterdam and The Hague. Vice versa, the
residents of Midden-Delfland can also enjoy the benefits the cities
have to offer. To make this interaction possible Midden-Delfland
invests to ensure accessibility of the landscape. Cooperation
initiatives in the municipality and region are aimed at maintaining
a health economy for the rural region, establishing new areas of
nature and to set up recreational cycling and sailing routes.
Midden-Delfland with the skyline of the cities on the horizon
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The future of Midden-Delfland
The municipality has cooperated with residents, businesses, lobby
groups and associations to outline the future of the municipality. Two
visions, including implementation plans, were the result: they are
vision ‘Midden-Delfland® 2025’ and the vision ‘Preservation through
development for the villages of Midden-Delfland’. Both are essential
for preserving the agricultural cultural landscape and for ensuring the
villages remain economically vital. Examples of some of the initiatives
are the establishment of modern sport facilities, contemporary school
buildings­and education amenities in secondary education (Lentiz
Maasland College) which look out onto the green open landscape,
cultural amenities, shops, restaurant and cafés. Other examples are
the protection of field birds, agricultural landscape management,
the project Duurzaam Boer Blijven (Remaining a Sustainable Famer)
and the improvement of the city-country links with access ports to
the area.
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Midden-Delfland online
www.middendelfland.nl
www.hofvandelfland.nl
www.middendelflandvereniging.nl
www.middendelfland.net
www.middeninhetdelfland.nl
www.mdmw.nl
www.groengoud.nl
www.ltodelflandsgroen.nl
www.vockestaert.nl
www.gzh.nl
www.cittaslow-nederland.nl
www.cittaslow.net
Historical boats on the Vlaardinger
canal with a towing path next to it,
now in use as a cycling path
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Metropolitan region
Rotterdam – The Hague
2 million residents
Midden-Delfland
18,000 residents
Surface area municipality
Midden-Delfland
5,000 ha
Recreation/Nature
2,000 ha
Industrial gardening area
200 ha
Greenhouses/businesses
1,200 ha
Recreation
12 km ATB routes
(mountain bike)
30 km sailing routes
45 km horse riding routes
60 km canoeing routes
60 km inline skating routes
80 km cycling routes
270 km walking routes
Number of businesses
1,250
Number of dairy farmers
60
Surface area open core
region
Midden-Delfland
6,600 ha
Average business size dairy
farms
42 ha
Farming/Dairy farming
3,400 ha
Milk production
35 million kilo
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Editing:
Graphic design: Print:
Photography:
With thanks to: Son & Co B.V.
300procent
Printvisie
Kimberly Gomes, Henk Groenendaal, Rens Groenendijk, Fleur Kooiman,
Hans de Lijser, Rolf Resink
Historian Jacques Moerman
Copyright municipality Midden-Delfland © September 2011
‘Welcome to Midden-Delfland’ is a publication of the municipality
Midden-Delfland. No rights can be obtained by this publication.
Would you like to use this information or obtain more?
Our Communication team can be reached on +31 – 15 – 380 41 11.
Polder mill next to the Zuidgaag of Maasland
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The Hague
Midden-Delfland
Rotterdam
www.middendelfland.nl
Visiting address:
Keenenburgweg 55
Schipluiden
T +31 – 15 – 380 41 11
[email protected]
The municipality Midden-Delfland consists of the villages of
Den Hoorn, Maasland, Schipluiden, ’t Woudt and De Zweth.
Together with the typical landscape they form the green
heart between The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam.