Richel
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For the boxer, see Richel Hersisia
Richel, or rather De Richel (Dutch for "the ridge"), is a permanently dry sandbank in the Wadden Sea, in the gap between the Dutch islands of Vlieland and Terschelling. It is located about 1 kilometer east of the northernmost point of Vlieland and is administered by the municipality of Vlieland. The sandbank has an average surface area of 116 hectares. [1] It is completely flooded only during extremely high tides. [2]
The island is primarily known as one of the most important resting places in the Wadden Sea for Gray Seals. Some 200 individuals can be seen resting on Richel, particularly in the weeks after new pups are born. [3][4] The sandbank is also important as a breeding and feeding area for Ringed Plovers, Kentish Plovers, Little Terns and other bird species.
Richel is uninhabited and virtually barren. It is too low to support any permanent vegetation. [5] The sandbank is only able to support some temporary colonisation by the grass species Sand Couch (Elytrigia juncea).
The ferry between Harlingen and Vlieland passes by Richel, making a detour around the sandbank. During low tide, it is possible to walk to the sandbank from Vlieland (see mudflat hiking) although Richel is off-limits to humans due to its importance as a nature area. Boat trips from Vlieland are organised daily during the summer tourist season to observe the seal population on Richel.
[edit] References
- ^ VVV Vlieland
- ^ Milieudefensie (Dutch)
- ^ Zeehondencrèche Lenie 't Hart
- ^ Kustgids.nl (Dutch)
- ^ ZeeInZicht: guide to the Wadden Sea, the coast and the North Sea
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