DISCOVER THE NATURAL HERITAGE
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The coastal landscapes around the North Sea are characterised by a diverse topography: The sheer cliffs of the Scottish east coast facing the North Sea, the steep sand dunes of the English east coast, the low sandbanks of the Frisian and northern German isles, the multiple sandy beaches of Jutland and the polished cliffs and islands of the Swedish west coast a landscape quite similar to that of the Norwegian west coast with its wealth of islets and reefs. |
| Each and every one of these landscapes has significant natural qualities, they are vulnerable coastal landscapes exposed to pollution caused by the oil and shipping industries. These areas, the low WaddenSea area from Friesland to Jutland, to mention one example, contain many rare biotopes and ecosystems. National parks, landscape conservation areas and bird reserves protect the natural qualities of these areas which in themselves play an instrumental part in catering to modern day needs for recreation, outdoor life and social well-being. |
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But our knowledge and understanding of the landscapes we live in is probably poorer than that of preceding generations, and it is therefore of vital importance that we explore the landscape and increase our knowledge about nature's mechanisms and our own journey through the landscape. Wetlands, heather moors by the ocean, forested hills and coastal mountain areas are landscapes with a biological diversity which gives us knowledge about the ecological balance we are part of, as well as offering us beautiful natural experiences. Nature, the landscapes and the cultural environments constitute a whole which is fascinating to explore, like a voyage of discovery through familiar and unfamiliar landscape rooms, and that is why knowledge about the geological and historical development of the landscape is an important prerequisite to fully appreciate the values of our natural and cultural heritage. |
