Nature close to the city        
As part of the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project (PMR), 750 hectares of new nature and recreation areas are to be created in the immediate vicinity of Rotterdam. The Province of South Holland is taking the lead in this project. There will be two new areas on the northern outskirts of Rotterdam and a third will be created to the south of the city, on Midden-IJsselmonde. People will then be able to enjoy easy access to the natural world on their doorstep.


 
Where will the new areas be?   
Two new areas are planned to the north of Rotterdam: in the Schiezone along the River Schie and in the Schiebroekse and Zuidpolder between Zestienhoven and Rodenrijs. These two areas do not stand alone. They form two links in a 'green ribbon' between the large nature and recreation areas of Midden-Delfland and the Rottemeren. In this way, both humans and animals will have more space to move around 'in the open'. It will soon be possible, for example, to cycle in green surroundings from the Rotte to Midden-Delfland. Such obstacles as the High-speed Line South and the Hofplein railway line will be bypassed. Animals can pass under these railway lines via so-called 'ecoducts'.
 
Green lung
The largest area, 600 hectares, will be created to the south of Rotterdam on Midden-IJsselmonde, between Rhoon and Barendrecht. The need for a 'green lung' in this vicinity will increase in the coming years: thousands of homes are to be built around the area. A ‘green connection’ for cyclists and walkers over the A15 and the Betuwe Line will ensure that the area remains easily accessible from Rotterdam.

In one part of Midden-IJsselmonde, the emphasis will be on recreation. Space will be created there for all kinds of activities, in the open air and in green surroundings. In the other section of the area, the peace and quiet of nature will prevail. 
 
What exactly will the areas look like?   
That has not yet been decided. In the coming years, the government will be discussing the precise layout of the areas with a variety of organisations, including the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club), The South-Holland Landscape Association and the WLTO (Western Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation), but also with local residents and their organisations. Preserving the beauty of the landscape and existing cultural-historical treasures is, at all events, the guiding principle.
 
When will it be finished?   
In 15 years, in 2020, work on the 750-ha new nature and recreation areas will be complete. This does not mean, however, that people will not be able to enjoy all the open space before then. There are already some cycle and walking routes. The areas will be further developed in the coming years. All of the new nature and recreation areas will be  freely accessible.