- Black pine, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Conifers
Conifers have needles instead of leaves and bear cones. One of the major families, the pine, is very common in the northern hemisphere. Pine forests are found along the entire Dutch coast. Anyone who takes a vacation here can't avoid seeing them year in, year out. As if they've always been there. However, none of the pines are native. They have been planted and are no older than 150 years. Although, it's possible that Scots pines are native, the only definitely native conifer growing in the dunes is juniper, which has practically disappeared...
On Texel
- , Sytske Dijksen www.fotofitis.nl
Lots of pines were planted on the island in the 20th century. Juniper used to grow here as well, but has practically disappeared in the dunes. There are still a few very small bushes scattered in the Muy.
Some say that the Texelaars built a magnificent triumphal arch from the last large junipers growing in the dunes when Napoleon visited the island. And that the French emperor didn't even walk under it! The authenticity of this story is difficult to verify. A triumphal arch is mentioned in the town archives, but it doesn't say anything about junipers.
- Forestation in the dunes
- Planting forests on Texel, ca 1920., Staatsbosbeheer
Pine trees were planted in the dunes primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, often by unemployed people. The main purpose was wood production for the mines and lumber. However, the salty sea wind influenced the growth too much so that the quality of the wood was never very good. The pine forests have been converted into mixed forests in many places, making them more attractive for all kinds of recreation.
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