Green/blue ribbon
In the design of the HSL a lot of attention is given to the direct surroundings of the railway line. Along the entire route, the banks, verges and ditches are zoned as the so-called green/blue ribbon: an extensive wildlife area for plants and animals.
In this way, the verges will become the home of many small animals, such as snakes, lizards, salamanders, hedgehogs and mice. In addition, the soil will be prepared for plant types that do not thrive on the over fertilized farmlands. Around the track, these plants will have the opportunity to grow in abundance. The ditches along the railway embankments will be a habitat for waterplants and waterside plants and animals.
6-1-2009 - HSL-Zuid