Ecosystem extent; ecosystem types; region

Ecosystem extent; ecosystem types; region

Region Periods Urban greenspace and recreation sites Total urban greenspace and recreation si (km2) Urban greenspace and recreation sites Urban greenspace (km2) Urban greenspace and recreation sites Sports and recreation sites (km2)
The Netherlands 2023* 881 288 593
Groningen (PV) 2023* 38 17 21
Fryslân (PV) 2023* 48 12 36
Drenthe (PV) 2023* 54 11 43
Overijssel (PV) 2023* 66 18 48
Flevoland (PV) 2023* 29 12 17
Gelderland (PV) 2023* 122 33 90
Utrecht (PV) 2023* 50 19 31
Noord-Holland (PV) 2023* 116 47 69
Zuid-Holland (PV) 2023* 117 50 67
Zeeland (PV) 2023* 46 8 38
Noord-Brabant (PV) 2023* 129 40 89
Limburg (PV) 2023* 66 22 44
Noord-Nederland (LD) 2023* 140 40 100
Oost-Nederland (LD) 2023* 217 62 155
West-Nederland 2023* 329 124 205
Zuid-Nederland 2023* 195 62 133
Source: CBS.
Explanation of symbols

Table explanation


The figures in this table represent the surface area of various ecosystems in the Netherlands, such as forests, agricultural lands, lakes, and parks. Each ecosystem is distinguished by specific biotic and abiotic elements, and their interactions. The table presents the ecosystem extent, with data organized based on the surface area in square kilometers per ecosystem type and per province.

Data available from: 2016

Status of the figures:
The figures are provisional.
To ensure consistent time series, the complete time series is recalculated each year if necessary, so that the latest insights and sources are also incorporated.

Changes as of November 2025:
None, this is a new table. The previous table on this topic was discontinued due to a revision of the methodology. Both the methodology, sources, and the classification of ecosystem types have been adjusted. For more information, please refer to the revised news release in Chapter 3 and the technical explanation in Chapter 4.

When will new figures be available?
New figures are published annually in November 2026.

Description topics

Urban greenspace and recreation sites
This class represents urban greenspace such as public parks and other vegetated areas, as well as areas used for recreation and leisure activities such as sports and camping grounds.
Total urban greenspace and recreation si
Total area of the main group 'Urban greenspace and recreation sites'.
Urban greenspace
Includes areas with vegetation within or partly embraced within urban areas. This includes public parks and other public or private green space, including associated infrastructure such as bicycle and walking trails.
Sports and recreation sites
Includes areas used for recreation purposes. Includes among others cemeteries, zoos, theme parks, historical and botanical gardens, community gardens, sports grounds, camping grounds and leisure parks..