The LOFAR area is a 400-hectare nature reserve in the Hunzedal, between Buinen and Exloo, that Het Drentse Landschap established in 2010 in collaboration with ASTRON. This large antenna field, which collects radio waves from space, is now embedded in a bird-rich swamp and grassland area. A unique combination of nature and technology that has proven to be very successful. Over the years, the LOFAR area has developed into a special bird area, but the Hunzedal lacked a natural nesting place for sand martins. Thanks to the contribution from Fonds 1999, Het Drentse Landschap has now been able to create a breeding facility in the form of a sand martin wall. The sand martin wall is a concrete wall with sand-filled holes where the birds can dig their nests. The management of this wall is provided by volunteers from Het Drentse Landschap, who replenish the sand annually and keep track of the occupancy.
The LOFAR area is a 400-hectare nature reserve in the Hunzedal, between Buinen and Exloo, that Het Drentse Landschap established in 2010 in collaboration with ASTRON. This large antenna field, which collects radio waves from space, is now embedded in a bird-rich swamp and grassland area. A unique combination of nature and technology that has proven to be very successful. Over the years, the LOFAR area has developed into a special bird area, but the Hunzedal lacked a natural nesting place for sand martins. Thanks to the contribution from Fonds 1999, Het Drentse Landschap has now been able to create a breeding facility in the form of a sand martin wall. The sand martin wall is a concrete wall with sand-filled holes where the birds can dig their nests. The management of this wall is provided by volunteers from Het Drentse Landschap, who replenish the sand annually and keep track of the occupancy.