The province of North Holland has decided that dogs may run loose in designated parts of the Schoorl Dunes outside the breeding season, provided this does not harm nature. The decision partly addresses concerns from dog owners, who collected more than 2,000 signatures against a proposed general leash requirement. The exact locations and routes will be worked out in 2027, and the province says it is considering areas along the inner dune edge.

The final management plan also includes cutting some conifers to reopen drifting dunes and moving hiking trails to give nature more peace. Dog owners’ representative Hanneke Stam said she was cautiously pleased and hoped owners would be involved in developing the details. The plan applies until 2032, and Stam is due to meet with the Forestry Commission next week to discuss it.