Oude Pekela: Straw Board and Peat Along the Pekelderhoofdiep
Straw board factories once lined the Pekelderhoofdiep canal in Oude Pekela. The industry used agricultural straw to produce cardboard, active from the late 19th century until competition and mechanisation reduced demand. Several factory chimneys survived as industrial monuments. About 7,580 residents live in this Groningen veenkolonie, part of the gemeente Pekela.
The village stretches along the canal in the characteristic ribbon layout of peat colonies. The flat, open landscape of former peatland extends in every direction, now mostly arable farmland. Winschoten is about 7 kilometres east, Groningen city roughly 35 kilometres northwest. Earthquake damage from gas extraction has affected the wider region, adding to existing economic challenges in an area that ranks among the least affluent in the Netherlands.
The Pekelder Hoofddiep recreational route follows the old canal towpath, now used by walkers and cyclists. Some of the former straw board factory sites have been cleared, while others await redevelopment.
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Straw board factories once lined the Pekelderhoofdiep canal in Oude Pekela. The industry used agricultural straw to produce cardboard, active from the late 19th century until competition and mechanisation reduced demand. Several factory chimneys survived as industrial monuments. About 7,580 residents live in this Groningen veenkolonie, part of the gemeente Pekela.
The village stretches along the canal in the characteristic ribbon layout of peat colonies. The flat, open landscape of former peatland extends in every direction, now mostly arable farmland. Winschoten is about 7 kilometres east, Groningen city roughly 35 kilometres northwest. Earthquake damage from gas extraction has affected the wider region, adding to existing economic challenges in an area that ranks among the least affluent in the Netherlands.
The Pekelder Hoofddiep recreational route follows the old canal towpath, now used by walkers and cyclists. Some of the former straw board factory sites have been cleared, while others await redevelopment.
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