By creating more room for the river, water levels lowered and extra space was created for habitat and recreationLowering the flood plains has resulted in a reduction of water levels by 10 - 19 centimeters during high water. The dynamics of fluctuating water levels has created a natural river habitat that increases biodiversity, which contributes to the achievement of Natura 2000 goals.Recreational users are able to make use of the area via hiking, biking, and water sports. Extra room has created space for an ecological water farm and a historic pier. The Room for Rivers project has set the tone for managers and project developers moving into the future of river and water management.
Waal, Room for the River I
IJzerdoorn, Natural Harbours
Bicycle Country
Druten Floodplains
Druten
Dodewaard, Harbour
Druten, Floodplain Cattle
Deest, Live, Work & Play
Dodewaard, Nuclear Power plant
Ewijk, Tacitus Bridge
Curved Dikes
Under the dike at Loenen was an old riverbed with sand and gravel. This material allowed water to pass through, creating a groundwater flow under the dike. The flowing water took sand grains with it, creating cavities and underground water currents, which continued to expand. This undermined the dike.In February 1644, there was ice and high water on the Waal. At Loenen, ice dams pushed up the water, causing the dike to breach. The breach gully at Loenen merged with an existing body of water called The Black Pit. Moreover, much of the Betuwe and the lands of Buren and Culemborg were flooded.Legends and folk tales are attached to many wheels. Such is the case with the Black Pit. A debauched robber knight is said to have lived at a castle nearby. On Christmas Eve, he held a lavish feast with gluttonous knights. His pious wife was concerned for his salvation and donated a new bell to the Herveld church. It was to be dedicated that same Christmas Eve. However, the robber knight and his drunken guests conceived the blasphemous plan to ring the bell even before the dedication. On their way to the church, a storm broke out and the Waal water rose. The storm surge dragged the bell out of the tower which came crashing down on the looting castle. Then the Waal dike broke. The swirling water took the robber knight, his guests and the remains of the castle into a churning depth. This is where the Black Pit now lies. Anyone standing on the bank on Christmas Eve can still hear bells ringing from the dark water, mixed with gloomy howls of the wind.
