Liendense Waard

New nature between Batenburg and Niftrik

In the floodplains of the Maas, between the town of Batenburg and the village of Niftrik, lies the Liendense Waard: a young nature area entirely shaped by the river. Where there were once fields, a secondary channel has been re-excavated that flows with the Maas at high water. This created a water-rich landscape of channels, pools and sloping banks, where nature is once again given free rein.

Here you taste the openness of the river country: low skies, the rustle of reeds and the scent of damp grass. It is a place that changes colour with the seasons, from the fresh green of spring to the golden hues of autumn.

A paradise for birds

The Liendense Waard is known as surprisingly bird-rich. On the muddy banks and in the shallow pools, wading birds search for food, and in spring and autumn migratory birds touch down to refuel. With a little patience you see spoonbills sweeping the water with their distinctive bills and avocets in their elegant black-and-white plumage.

Large grazers keep the area open, allowing flower-rich grasslands and marsh zones to develop. The interplay of water, reed and open grassland turns every walk into a small voyage of discovery.

Roaming along the Maas

On foot you explore the area via paths and roaming routes along the bank, with new vistas over the water at every turn. Bring binoculars, walk slowly and let yourself be surprised by what moves. From the villages of Niftrik and Batenburg you reach the waard in no time, a fine stop during a day of cycling or walking in the Land van Maas en Waal.