Niels Schotsman on the Potmarge
19 October
The Potmarge is a small river located just south of Leeuwarden’s city centre. It was originally created to drain the former peatlands in the area.
The Potmarge: From Polluted River to Green Oasis
The Potmarge is a small river located just south of Leeuwarden’s city centre. Originally, it served as a drainage channel for the former peatlands in the area. Over the centuries, pollution turned the Potmarge into what was long known as “the most polluted river in Friesland.” Thanks to recent clean-up efforts, however, the area has been transformed into an inviting recreational spot — a peaceful green oasis close to the heart of Leeuwarden, rich in plant and tree diversity.
As part of the Month of History, Niels Schotsman (76) w…
The Potmarge: From Polluted River to Green Oasis
The Potmarge is a small river located just south of Leeuwarden’s city centre. Originally, it served as a drainage channel for the former peatlands in the area. Over the centuries, pollution turned the Potmarge into what was long known as “the most polluted river in Friesland.” Thanks to recent clean-up efforts, however, the area has been transformed into an inviting recreational spot — a peaceful green oasis close to the heart of Leeuwarden, rich in plant and tree diversity.
As part of the Month of History, Niels Schotsman (76) will give a talk about this remarkable landscape and its fascinating history. He will take you on an imaginary nature walk along the flora, fauna and scenery of the Potmarge — and the people who stroll there. Schotsman, a biologist, worked for the Provincial Service of Fryslân from 1980 to 2010 and regularly leads nature walks along the Potmarge.