450 years ‘Act of Redemption’ protecting The Hague’s green spaces

450 years ‘Act of Redemption’ protecting The Hague’s green spaces

The Hague, the Netherlands, 16 April 2026 – Today it’s exactly 450 years since William of Orange signed the Act of Redemption. This decision ensured that no one in the Hague Forest, the Koekamp or on the Malieveld (names of famous green spaces and forests in The Hague) would be allowed to cut down trees for the sale of wood. Thanks to this promise, the Hague Forest (Haagse Bos) is considered the Netherlands’ oldest protected forest and its oldest city park — an early milestone in Dutch nature conservation.

The Act of Redemption dates from 1576 and was signed during the Eighty Years’ War. At the time, the States of Holland were short of money, and plans emerged that would have opened the way to large-scale logging in and around the Hague Forest. Local leaders and residents opposed this and argued for the preservation of the area’s nature and public value. 

Through the Act of Redemption, William of Orange confirmed a long-term commitment on behalf of the authorities: the forest and its surroundings should remain protected, and trees should not be felled for profit.

Robert Barker, Deputy Mayor for Public Space, Animal Welfare and the Environment for the City of The Hague. “We've been protecting the Hague Forest for 450 years. This has inspired us to protect even more nature reserves. It's good to commemorate the importance of nature conservation in a green and festive way.”

Cultural heritage 

For the history of The Hague — and for the wider story of nature protection in the Netherlands — the Act of Redemption remains an important reference point. It is also a timely reminder: safeguarding green space in cities is a long-term choice, and one that matters for residents’ everyday quality of life. 

The Hague Forest 

The Hague Forest (Het Haagse Bos) is one of the city’s most valued green spaces. With centuries-old trees and well-used walking routes, it offers nature, recreation and calm within minutes of the city centre. The forest also surrounds Huis ten Bosch Palace, the royal residence where the King and his family live, underlining just how closely The Hague’s heritage and its greenery are intertwined.