Birder’s hide

Just outside of the historic fort moat, 'the outer fort' is left more or less natural, enabling local indigeous plants from the Kromme Rijn area to grow and flower. No new species are planted here and the soil is kept as impoverished as possible, which means that it is mown only twice a year and the cuttings are discarded. The result is a natural, almost wild terrain stimulating biodiversity.

This natural environment is an ideal spot for our Birder’s hide. Here, you can observe birds without them seeing you. By playing the Bird game you learn about birds and their food preferances. If you get it right, you will hear the sound of the bird in question.

The Birder’s hide is open during the Gardens' opening hours and also serves as a shelter in case of unexpected showers.

The Birder’s hide 'De Tuinfluiter' was co-financed by alumni of Utrecht University through crowdfunding, and by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Utrecht. Vogelbescherming Nederland and Natuurmonumenten also helped to realise.