Zandkes - Nature

Zandkes is a remarkable nature reserve on the eastern side of Texel, near Dijkmanshuizen and just north of Oudeschild.

What makes Zandkes so unique?

• Bird paradise: The three brackish, shallow ponds in Zandkes attract countless bird species. The mud-rich bottom is full of small organisms like worms, shrimps and tiny fish – a true buffet for waders and meadow birds.
• Breeding ground and resting place: During the breeding season, the shallow water provides young birds with a safe area to learn to fish. Outside the breeding season, Zandkes is visited by migratory birds that rest or feed here when it is high tide in the Wadden Sea.
• Natural maintenance: The grasslands are only mown and grazed once the young birds can fly, usually around mid-July. This ensures peace and protection for the breeding birds.
• Brackish water = special flora: Because rainwater mixes with salty seawater seeping under the dike, the water in Zandkes is brackish. As a result, both freshwater and salt-tolerant plants grow here, such as reeds and glasswort.
• Varied history: The northern pond formed after a dike breach, while the southern one was once a clay pit from the 1930s. In 1999, a third pond was dug to provide more space for birds like the avocet and ringed plover. Together, the ponds now form one long, bird-rich nature area.

What can you do in and around Zandkes?

• Cycling along the dike: Follow the IJsdijk north of Oudeschild and take the cycle path along the old sea dike. You’ll have beautiful views of Zandkes and other bird-rich areas such as Dijkmanshuizen, Ottersaat, Utopia and Wagejot.
• Path beneath the dike: Follow the path running below the old sea dike to get closer to the area and admire the unique landscape up close – without disturbing the nature.
• Photography and nature experience: The reflections on the shallow water, the vast skies and the movement of thousands of birds make Zandkes a dream location for photographers and nature lovers.

Practical information

• Location: Zandkes lies on the eastern side of Texel, just north of Oudeschild and opposite the nature reserve Dijkmanshuizen. The area is visible from the IJsdijk and can be reached via the cycle path along the old Wadden dike.
• Accessibility: Although the reserve itself is not accessible, the ponds and grasslands can be easily viewed from the IJsdijk and the cycle path on the old dike.

Immerse yourself in the landscape between the dikes and experience how peace, nature and rich birdlife come together in this hidden gem on Texel: the nature reserve Zandkes!

Furthermore Zandkes is near the following sights: Nieuw Buitenheim (±800 m), Minkewaal (±800 m), Eendenkooi Spang (±950 m), Vogelkijkhut Nieuw Buitenheim (±1,0 km) & Dijkmanshuizen (±1,7 km).

For information

IJsdijk, Oudeschild, Texel