Waterloopbos

Concrete remains in the middle of the forest

The Waterloopbos near Marknesse is a place you do not forget easily. Hidden among the trees along the Voorsterweg in the Noordoostpolder lie the remains of scale models that Rijkswaterstaat used here between the 1950s and 1990s for hydraulic engineering research. Rivers, delta works, estuaries: everything was recreated here in miniature, cast in concrete. Now it has stood abandoned for decades, slowly being swallowed by moss, ferns and young trees.

What makes this so interesting for photographers is the combination of geometric, man-made forms being gradually consumed by nature. That contrast works in every direction. You can shoot wide and place the structures within their wooded surroundings, but the forest also rewards macro photography. The moss on the old concrete has a texture worth capturing up close, especially after rain.

Autumn is the best time

In autumn, filtered light falls through the trees and brings out the warm tones of dying vegetation beautifully. The concrete walls take on a golden glow when the low sun catches them at an angle, sometime in October or November. Early morning gives you the best chance of mist hanging low over the ground, which adds another layer to what are already atmospheric images.

A focal length around 35mm or 50mm works well for environmental shots that place the structures in their context. If you want to isolate patterns and details, I prefer something a little longer, around 85 to 135mm. For macro you need a dedicated lens or a close-up filter, but it is well worth the effort.

Practical

There is a car park on the Voorsterweg. From there you walk into the forest along a path that runs through the site. The area is freely accessible and no permit is required for non-commercial photography. The site is managed by Staatsbosbeheer. Bear in mind that the ground can be muddy and slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is a sensible choice. The location is relatively little known, which means on weekdays you can work quietly without many other visitors around.

Sources and further reading

• Staatsbosbeheer: Waterloopbos
• Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed: Waterloopbos
• Wikipedia: Waterloopbos