The Haagse Bos is a beautiful park of nearly 100 hectare, and is located close to the centre of The Hague. A popular spot for running, peaceful walks, picnics, and play area, it is an important green space within the city. It is also one of the oldest forest areas in the Netherlands and has been a cultural and historical space for centuries, whether as the hunting grounds of the House of Orange, a Nazi rocket launch site during World War Two, or the current site of the Dutch Royal Family’s Huis ten Bosch residence.
Why sustainable?
Urban green spaces are crucial to making cities environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. The area forms an important spot in the city for biodiversity, and is home to squirrels, foxes, many species of birds (including the beautiful kingfisher), and of course plant and tree species. Forests such as the Haagse Bos also serve to sequester carbon, which is essential to offset anthropogenic climate change. They also are linked to better mental and physical health outcomes for residents.
Good Health and Well-Being: Provides access to nature and greenspace for city residents, which has innumerable physical and mental health benefits.
Climate Action: Sequesters carbon, reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses reaching the atmosphere and contributing to globe warming.
Life on Land: Forested areas within cities provide a haven for biodiversity, including for many species of birds, mammals, insects and plants and trees.
