In the Gelderland municipalities of Beuningen and Druten, the area will be transformed over 10 to 15 years from floodplains and farmland into a waterside nature and recreation area. In addition, clay, sand, and gravel will be sustainably extracted in the coming years to supply the Netherlands with the necessary construction materials.

Geertjesgolf requires a carefully planned logistical operation. It starts with dredging the harbour, immediately making construction sand available. The top layer is used to raise work areas so that high water from the Waal river does not cause problems. Inside the dikes, buildings, roads, and fences must be moved before the suction dredgers can start work.

The top layer contains no less than 4.5 million cubic metres of clay, some of which is used for temporary noise barriers. Once the sand from the first lake has been extracted, the clay from the second lake can be stored there. The noise barriers then become redundant, and the clay can later be used in the completion of the nature and recreation project.

Around 3.5 million tonnes of sand and gravel are transported annually via a two-kilometre-long conveyor belt to the new harbour. There, the material is stored underwater and sent to construction companies in the desired composition via our special sorting and mixing facility De Vierlingsbeek.

In total, approximately 25 million tonnes of construction material will be sustainably extracted during the project. All facilities are fully electrified and low-emission, making the project both environmentally friendly and efficient.

Over 15 years, the landscape of Geertjesgolf will gradually change. What is currently mainly agricultural land will slowly develop into a waterside nature area with space for nature and recreation. Marshlands, species-rich grasslands, and forest plots will be created in phases. In this way, the new nature area will gradually take shape, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both people and nature.