Hoofddorp (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɦoːvdɔr(ə)p]; lit. ’Main Village’) is the main town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. In 2021, the population was 77,885. The town was founded in 1853, immediately after the Haarlemmermeer had been drained.
In the late nineteenth century Hoofddorp was included in the Defense Line of Amsterdam.[3] A fort was built next to the main canal, two batteries were located in what are now the outskirts of Hoofddorp, and several casemates were built to the east of Hoofddorp. A large dike known as the Geniedijk (Engineers’ dike) connected the fort at Hoofddorp to the batteries and the casemates, and ultimately to the fort at Vijfhuizen in the west and the fort at Aalsmeer in the east.
In 1856, the first windmill in the Haarlemmermeer was built in the centre of Hoofddorp by Dirk David van Dijk. It was called “De Eersteling” (The First). Due to increased building around the mill it eventually fell into disuse. In 1977 the mill was moved to another location near fort Hoofddorp. It has operated regularly from that time and is now open to the public.
The protected area of Angelochori Lagoon is located in the land part of the capes of Megalo Karampournou and Tuzla, which define from the south the Gulf of Thessaloniki. Although small in area, this area hosts rich biodiversity and is particularly important for the avifauna. In this small area, 200 species of birds have been observed, some of which are rare and endangered.
The protected area borders with the village of Angelochori, a small seaside village, with well-known landmarks the Lighthouse of the Great Piston, but also the Fortress built during the Ottoman Empire at a point considered of strategic importance since antiquity, because it controlled the passage to the gulf of Thessaloniki.
The lagoon is about square in shape and very shallow depth, while in its northern part a salt lake has been created, which has been operating and producing salt since at least 1902. The salt lake, although an artificial ecosystem, is a valuable part of the wetland complex. It reduces human nuisance, supplies water to the area and preserves organisms (eg fish, shrimps, oysters, etc.), which are food for other species of fauna, eg. birds.
The lagoon, with its coastal salt marshes on its south bank, is separated from the sea by a narrow sandy shore and is connected to it by a central artificial connecting ditch.
The salt pit is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a unique and diverse natural environment. Visitors can observe the salt pans and mudflats, as well as the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
The use of drones in capturing images of Agelochori Salt Pit can provide an aerial perspective of the site, showcasing its size, scale, and beauty. The salt pans and mudflats appear as intricate patterns from above, highlighting the unique and intricate nature of this site.
In conclusion, Agelochori Salt Pit is a unique and valuable natural phenomenon that is rich in ecological and geological significance. With its diverse wildlife, intricate patterns, and stunning aerial views, it is a must-visit destination for those interested in the natural world.