The pruning day of January 10 has been moved to January 17 due to weather conditions.
The WGNL has decided to do this.
After all, it is dangerous to stand on slippery ladders when it is snowing and the meltwater freezes immediately.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the willows around De Vlieger windmill in Voorburg (Essesteijn) will be pollarded.
For a windmill to turn properly, the wind must have free play around the mill and not be hindered by tall trees. The surroundings of the mill, the mill biotope, must therefore be maintained.
As of 2025, this work has been transferred by the municipality to the Werkgroep Groenbeheer Nootdorp Leidschendam (WGNL). They carry out this work with an enthusiastic group of volunteers and could really use the help of new people. The work starts at 10:00 AM (with coffee). Participants will gather at the Essesteijn petting zoo. Would you like to get acquainted with pollarding and/or do you feel like helping out? And are you 16 years or older? Then you are very welcome between 10:00 and 15:00.
Please bring good waterproof shoes or boots and work gloves. The WGNL will provide tools (and work gloves if needed). If you wish to do some sawing, you will receive brief safety instructions. However, a lot of extra manpower is also needed for dragging branches and building a brushwood pile. Many hands make light work!
The work is carried out in coordination with the municipality. Work is performed according to an ecological management plan. This year, the pollard willows that were not pruned last year will be pruned.