Nature groups in Noord Holland province have divided up 72 kilometres of beach into recreational zones which they suggest point the way forward for preserving the country’s coastline.

The plan envisages splitting the North Sea coast from Den Helder to Zandvoort into 55 areas where different sorts of beach-related activities should be permitted.

For example, Zandvoort would be the only place were large scale events would be allowed. The rest is divided into beaches for families, for fun lovers with year-round catering facilities and for people looking to get away from it all.

The map has been drawn up by the PWN water board, natural heritage group Natuurmonumenten and Landschap Noord-Holland. They say the zoning plan will help determine which parts of the coast are ripe for further development.

Last month, 16 nature and land-owning groups signed an agreement to protect the Dutch coastline following concerns about the sharp rise in the number of development projects.

The aim of the pact is to limit further development to areas which are already built up.

Check out the map