Haagse Bos: 450 Years Protected
- Zeyda Broers
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Haagse Bos has been protected for 450 years this year.
It is the oldest protected forest and the oldest city park in the Netherlands.
This is thanks to William of Orange, who decided in 1576 that the forest should remain protected forever.
The city of The Hague is celebrating this special milestone with various activities centered around the Haagse Bos.
On Saturday, 24 January, you can receive free plants: one small tree and two shrubs.
Later in the year, you can join guided tours or visit an exhibition.
Haagse Bos 450 Years Protected: Pick Up a Free Little Tree! (Het Haagse Groen)
On Saturday, January 24, residents can collect a free set of plants — one little tree and two shrubs — to celebrate the fact that 450 years ago the Act of Redemption was signed. Thanks to this act, the Haagse Bos is the oldest protected forest and the oldest city park in the Netherlands. Come and pick up a little tree.
Free Tree and Shrub Pick-Up: Where and How?
On Saturday, January 24 between 10:00 and 14:00.
The pick-up point is at Boorlaan (near the Malieveld). Residents can enter Boorlaan via Koningskade by car or bike and exit at the other end. The location is also close to Central Station, so you can come by public transport.
The first 1,576 trees come with a special certificate. There will also be a booklet about the history of the Haagse Bos for anyone interested.
There are 2,000 plant sets available. Once they’re gone — they’re gone.
What Is Being Given Out? (Het Haagse Groen)
Sets include one small tree and two shrubs of different types — such as linden, maple, hawthorn, or spindle tree. All of these species are native to The Hague and the surrounding area. Not all plants are labeled by species, so you’ll be surprised!
Grown saplings and shrubs: young trees and shrubs up to 1.20 meters tall, provided by the Municipality of The Hague and Staatsbosbeheer.
Harvested saplings: the civic initiative Meer Bomen Nu rescues at-risk young saplings so they can get a second chance to grow. Each mature tree produces hundreds of seedlings every year, but most don’t survive. By collecting these and giving them away for free, we can help make the Netherlands greener, more quickly and more joyfully! The harvested sapling varieties from this winter in and around The Hague will be handed out on the day.
What Is the Act of Redemption? (Het Haagse Groen)
During the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648) between the Netherlands and Spain, the States of Holland needed a lot of money. They planned to sell the Kloosterkerk and cut down the Haagse Bos to raise funds. Citizens of The Hague opposed this. The city government raised 6,000 pounds (the currency at the time), saving both the church and the forest — and ensuring they would be protected forever.
On April 16, 1576, William of Orange signed the Act of Redemption on behalf of the States of Holland. The act promised that no one may ever cut down trees in the Haagse Bos, the Koekamp, or the Malieveld to sell the wood, and that Staatsbosbeheer may not sell the land — otherwise the promise would be void.
Why Is The Hague Celebrating This?
The Act of Redemption is an important moment in The Hague’s history — but it’s also a landmark for nature conservation in the Netherlands. It was the first time a forest in the Netherlands was protected.
Because of this act, the Haagse Bos has been a green place for centuries. Every day, we see how important trees and nature are — for people and animals alike, both then and now.
Partners in This Action
This special tree-giving initiative is organized together with Staatsbosbeheer, Meer Bomen Nu, and Stichting Bos dat van zichzelf is. In 2026 there are even more activities planned to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the Act of Redemption.
More Activities in 2026 (Het Haagse Groen)
April 7 — May 2
Visit the exhibition about the Haagse Bos at the Atrium. It’s called “450 years of protection of the Haagse Bos through the Act of Redemption.” The exhibition is organized by Stichting Bos dat van zichzelf is, featuring stories and art about the forest’s history, the animals and plants that live there, and how residents of The Hague experience the forest.
April 7 — May 2
Guided tours and walking workshops will take place in the Haagse Bos (details coming later).
April 7 — May 2
Follow a special art route in the Haagse Bos created by students from HKU (Utrecht School of the Arts). The route begins at The Hague City Hall and goes through Central Station into the forest, featuring artworks inspired by the Haagse Bos. There will also be a route map (details forthcoming).
The original article in Dutch dated (January 12, 2026) is here : https://www.hethaagsegroen.nl/groen+werk/3195770.aspx
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