2025 Groningen, Netherlands

We warmly invite you to the annual IWSG conference in the beautiful city of Groningen, the Netherlands, from Friday September 26 to Monday September 29, 2025. We will gather at the Biotoop, a unique and inspiring venue just outside the city of Groningen —once the university’s Biological Sciences building, now a vibrant space for community living and creative events. Nestled just outside the city center, the venue offers a green and dynamic setting for engaging discussions and talks about our beloved waders! More details on accomodation and the program will be shared soon, but for now—mark your calendars and save the dates!

For this year’s conference, you will have to book your accommodation by yourself. Please be aware that Groningen is a busy touristic place, so consider booking your accommodation as early as possible to be sure to find a reasonable price and a nice place at this time of the year.

Location

De Biotoop, Haren. https://biotoop.org/

De Biotoop, the former Biological Center of the University of Groningen, has become one of the largest and most vibrant creative hubs in the Netherlands. Importantly for wader community, in the late 20th century, this Biological Center was a leading national hub for animal ecology research, with a strong focus on avian studies. It’s a place where most Dutch wader researchers pursued their studies, and which welcomed many international colleagues. You might even feel the lingering “wader vibes” and echoes of past scientific discussions within its corridors!

Today, within its walls, a dynamic community of over 180 residents and 150 artists – including designers, musicians, architects, web developers, furniture makers, woodworkers – and university researchers live and work, often in the creatively repurposed former labs and classrooms. Traces of its scientific past are still visible, adding to the unique atmosphere.

Surrounded by lush parkland and directly adjacent to the well-known Hortus Haren (botanical garden), De Biotoop is a special example of an alternative way of living and creating. This year, the Wader Study Group is excited to be welcomed into their congress center, located in the heart of this inspiring complex. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a unique blend of repurposed academic architecture, rich scientific heritage, and strong creative energy.

Haren: The Village

De Biotoop is in Haren, a pleasant and green village just an easy 15-minute bike, bus, or train ride from the city of Groningen. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and nice residential areas, Haren offers the amenities you might need for your stay, including supermarkets, local shops, and a historic church. While Haren provides a peaceful retreat, you might find a wider range of accommodation options in Groningen, with an easy commute to De Biotoop. Haren also has a beautiful botanical garden.

Groningen: The Nearby City

Groningen, a well-preserved old Hanseatic city, buzzes with the energy of its large student and university population. Its pretty canals and vibrant city center are definitely worth exploring. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Noorderplantsoen, a lovely city park, or the Groninger Museum, known for its distinct architecture and varied art exhibitions. For great city views, consider a climb up the Martinitoren, the city’s famous bell tower, or the recently built Forum Groningen – a cultural space with the city library and exhibitions.

Friday, September 26 — Workshops & Opening

The conference will start with a full day of workshops where you can dive into different topics. In the evening, you can join our welcome dinner with a musical performance and registration will open.

Saterday & Sunday, September 27 & 28  — Scientific Sessions

Two days of scientific sessions and talks. The program will feature a mix of plenary lectures, scientific talks and poster session. Between sessions, there will be opportunities for networking and informal exchange. In the evenings, we will go out for dinenr and explore the city center of Groningen.

Monday, September 29  — Excursions & Departure

On the last day, we are heading out for some interesting excursions around the area.

1. Schiermonnikoog (Full day)

This island in the Wadden Sea is a hotspot for shorebirds as well as for waterbird research. During autumn passage the mudflats surrounding the island harbour large numbers of shorebirds, including oystercatcher, grey and golden plover, red knot, ruddy turnstone, dunlin, bar-tailed godwit, and redshank. With the excursion we can visit the mudflats where the birds forage as well as watch the incoming tide and the birds moving to their high-tide roosts. The island is also the home for long-term research on oystercatchers and other waterbirds, and we will visit some of these study sites as well as watch out for colour-marked individuals from these studies. Since the island is mostly “car-free” we will walk on the island, covering a total distance between 7 – 10km. The excursion will leave the conference venue by bus at 08:00 to get to Lauwersoog, from where we will take a ferry to arrive at Schiermonnikoog at 10.15. We will start back from the island at 16.30 and expect to be back in Groningen / Haren around 18.30. If you have the opportunity, bring rubber boots and a telescope.

2. National park Lauwersmeer (Full day)

The Lauwersmeer was closed off from the sea in 1969 and became a freshwater lake system, offering a diverse and unique environment to many bird species. Many shorebirds frequent the area, such as oystercatcher, golden plover, black-tailed godwits, lapwing, avocets, ruff, common greenshank, spotted redshank, redshank, wood sandpiper, green sandpiper and the common sandpiper. In this excursion we will go with the bus past three characteristic sites to get to know the area. We will leave the conference venue by bus at 09:00. Our first stop will be at the southern end of the Lauwersmeer area, where we will take a morning stroll (of 3-4 km) in the Diepsterbos and climb the large observation tower ‘Reiddomp’ offering a spectacular view of the surroundings. After this we will travel along the westside of the lake with the bus towards the birding spots at ‘the Ezumakeeg’. The third stop of our excursion will be at one of two high-tide roosts ‘Lutjewad’ and at ‘Paesens’ where species from the salt marshes and the mudflats can be spotted. We will make sure to arrive 1.5h before the high tide. We will start back around 16:00 and expect to be back in Groningen/Haren around 17:00. If you have the opportunity, bring suitable walking shoes, binoculars and/or a telescope.

lauwersmeer en omgeving;

3. Zuidlaardermeer (Half day)

Located just southeast of the city of Groningen, the Zuidlaardermeer is a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by reedbeds, wet meadows, and marshland; an important area for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. In spring and autumn, the area hosts large numbers of ducks, geese, and shorebirds such as avocet, black-winged stilt, lapwing, little ringed plover, black-tailed godwit, common snipe, ruff, redshank, greenshank, green sandpiper, common sandpiper, and wood sandpiper. During this excursion, we will explore both the open water and the surrounding nature reserves, including the ‘Onnerpolder’ and ‘Oostpolder’. These sites offer good views over the wetlands and provide a good chance to observe many bird species. The excursion includes short walks (2–4 km) and several stops for birdwatching. We will leave the conference venue by bus at 09:00 and expect to arrive at our first birding stop by 09:45. After visiting the viewing points around the lake and taking time to enjoy the scenery, we aim to be back in Haren at 13:00. If you have binoculars or a telescope, please bring them along.

4. Groningen city (Half day)

The city of Groningen is a vibrant student city, with much history and interesting architecture on offer. In the middle ages Groningen proved ideally situated for trade and became part of the Hanseatic trade network. Currently the city is the home of around 205000 inhabitants of which 60000 are students at the university. The city has many important landmarks such as the Martini tower, the academy building and the newly added Forum building. For this excursion we will meet up at 10:00 at the Grote Markt and be guided through the city by professional city guides to see the sites and learn more on the history of this vibrant city. After the tour (of about 1.5 hours) there will be enough time to further explore the city on your own or in small groups.

Workshops will be held on Friday the 26th of September.

1. Meadow Birds and Water Crisis – Management of Extremes

(26/09 Morning, organised by State Association for Nature Conservation and the Environment of North Rhine-Westphalia)

The climate crisis increasingly confronts wetland habitats with extremes: prolonged droughts on the one hand, flooding on the other. This workshop addresses the challenges of managing water regimes to support meadow bird species with diverse ecological requirements. We will examine which measures are appropriate for which species, and how timing and water control can contribute to effective conservation.

2. Knowledge gaps and policy levers for conservation of Nordic waders

(26/09 Morning, organised by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Workshop)

This workshop aims to foster knowledge exchange, identify research and policy priorities, and support collaborative efforts for the effective conservation of Nordic wader species across.

Topic 1: Knowledge Gaps in the Ecology of Nordic Waders
The first part of the workshop will examine the ecological understanding of the wader species that breed in northern Europe. Discussions will explore how these species are grouped into ecological guilds and assess the current state of knowledge, including population trends, habitat requirements, distribution, demographic rates, and conservation status. A focus will be placed on identifying species that remain data deficient. Additionally, we will review the environmental and ecological drivers influencing range shifts, population dynamics, and seasonal phenology, as well as assess both known threats and emerging factors.

Topic 2: Policy Levers for Effective Conservation Action
The second part will address the policy landscape influencing wader conservation. We will explore international and regional frameworks such as the IPBES, Bern Convention, Ramsar, EU Birds and Habitats Directives, AEWA, CMS, and the Emerald Network. The discussion will evaluate which frameworks have been most effective and where significant policy gaps remain, the implementation of management plans, and mismatches in conservation prioritization. The session will also highlight successful case studies, including the Tagus Estuary in Portugal and Doñana in Spain, to extract practical lessons that can inform future conservation strategies for Nordic waders.

3. Using drones to find wader nests

(26/09 Afternoon, organised by British Trust for Ornithology)

This workshop will focus on the use of drones (UAVs) to locate wader nests. The goal of the session is to bring together researchers and practitioners with experience or interest in drone-assisted nest detection, to share methodologies, discuss challenges and limitations, and identify best practices. The primary output of the workshop will be a collaborative review and guidance paper on the use of drones for wader nest-finding, with the aim of submitting the manuscript to Wader Study. The paper would summarize current techniques, evaluate their effectiveness and ethical considerations, and offer practical recommendations for fieldworkers.

4.  Tackling Conservation Challenges Along the Migration Flyway

(26/09 Afternoon, organised by Vogelbescherming Netherlands)

This interactive workshop will explore the diverse ecological pressures faced by migratory birds along their flyways, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and human disturbance. Through group discussions and collaborative activities, participants will identify key threats at different stages of migration and exchange knowledge on effective conservation responses, aiming to connect research with policy and on-the-ground conservation.

Travel to Groningen

Groningen is well-connected within the Netherlands and accessible from international locations.

1. By Air:

• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): This is the largest international airport in the Netherlands and the most common entry point for international visitors.
  • To Groningen from Schiphol: The easiest way is by direct train. The train station is located directly beneath the airport’s main plaza.
    • Provider: NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen – Dutch Railways) – ns.nl.
    • Frequency: Typically, a direct train to Groningen runs twice per hour. Ensure you board the carriages marked for Groningen, as the train sometimes splits with another part going to Leeuwarden.
    • Journey Time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
    • Tickets: Purchase tickets online via the NS website (ns.nl/en), the NS app, or at the ticket vending machines (yellow and blue) or ticket offices at Schiphol Plaza. You can buy a single-use chipkaart or an e-ticket. You can also use your regular bank card (see below).
• Groningen Airport Eelde (GQE): This is a smaller regional airport located about 15 km south of Groningen city. It serves a limited number of European destinations, which can vary by season (e.g., London, Gran Canaria, Mallorca, Antalya, and some seasonal charters).
  • To Groningen city from GQE:
    • Bus: Qbuzz line 9 connects the airport to Groningen Central Station. The journey takes approximately 30-50 minutes.
    • Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport.
• Bremen Airport (BRE), Germany: Located about a 2.5-hour drive or bus journey from Groningen, Bremen Airport can be an alternative, especially for those using budget airlines within Europe.
  • To Groningen from Bremen:
    • Bus: FlixBus offers direct connections from Bremen Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or Bremen Airport to Groningen.
    • Train: Requires changes, typically via Leer (Germany), check ns website for your specific dates and times.

2. By Train:

• Groningen Central Station (Hoofdstation Groningen) is the main railway station and has excellent connections to other major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Zwolle.
• Provider: NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen).
• Tickets: Purchase online (ns.nl/en or nsinternational.com for international journeys), via the NS app, or at station ticket machines/offices.
• International Trains: Connections are available from Belgium (e.g., Brussels, Antwerp) and Germany (e.g., Hamburg, Berlin via connections in Leer or Rheine/Amersfoort). Check NS International for these routes.

3. By Bus (Long-Distance):

• Companies like FlixBus and others offer affordable long-distance bus travel to Groningen from various cities within the Netherlands and internationally (e.g., Germany, Belgium, France).
• Buses typically arrive at or near Groningen Central Station.
• Check the respective bus company websites for routes, schedules, and tickets.

4. By Car:

• Groningen is accessible via major Dutch motorways:
  • A28: From Utrecht and Zwolle in the south.
  • A7 (E22): From Amsterdam/Zaandam/Afsluitdijk in the west and from Bremen/Leer (Germany) in the east.
• Parking in Groningen City: Be aware that car traffic in the city center is restricted, and street parking can be limited and expensive. Consider using Park & Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts of the city and taking a bus into the center. Specifically P+R Haren might be convenient for you as it is located in 20 minutes’ walk from the Biotoop.
• Environmental Zones (Milieuzones): Check if your vehicle meets the requirements for any environmental zones if driving into the city center, though this is more relevant for older diesel vehicles.

Travel to De Biotoop, Haren (Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN Haren)

De Biotoop is located in the village of Haren, southeast of Groningen city.

1. From Groningen Central Station (Hoofdstation Groningen):

• By Bus:
  • Qbuzz line 50. This is often the most direct bus. Get off at the “Botanicuslaan” stop in Haren. From this stop, it’s a short walk (approx. 5 minutes) to De Biotoop. Walk along Kerklaan.
  • Qbuzz lines 51. Get off at the “Botanicuslaan” stop in Haren. Also 5 minutes walk to the venue.
  • Check Qbuzz.nl/gd or 9292.nl for current bus lines and times.
• By Train + Walk:
  • Take a local train (Sprinter) from Groningen Central Station to Haren Station. Trains run frequently.
  • Journey Time (train): Approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • From Haren Station to De Biotoop (Kerklaan 30):
    • Walking: It’s a pleasant walk of about 1.5 – 2 km (approx. 20-25 minutes). Head east from the station, generally towards Kerklaan.
• By Bicycle (Direct from Groningen City):
  • Groningen is a cycling city! If you have access to a bike, it’s a pleasant ride of about 5-7 km (20-30 minutes) from Groningen city center to De Biotoop in Haren, via good cycle paths. The route along Verlengde Hereweg/Rijksstraatweg and then Kerklaan is common.
• By Taxi:
  • Taxis are available at Groningen Central Station. This will be the most expensive option but offers direct travel.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes.

2. From Groningen Airport Eelde (GQE):

• Step 1: Airport to Groningen Central Station or a key bus hub in Haren.
  • Bus line 9 (Qbuzz) connects the airport to Groningen Central Station.
• Step 2: From Groningen Central Station to De Biotoop (see above).
• Alternatively, by Taxi: A taxi directly from Groningen Airport Eelde to De Biotoop in Haren will take around 15-20 minutes. This will be more expensive than public transport.

3. By Car to De Biotoop:

• Address: Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN Haren.
• From A28 Motorway: Take exit 38 (Haren). Follow signs towards Haren and then look for signs to Hortus Haren / De Biotoop. Kerklaan is the main road leading to it.
• Parking at De Biotoop: Parking is available across the street from the Hortus entrance.

Important Travel Tips for the Netherlands:

• OV-chipkaart: This is a national public transport smart card. You can buy an anonymous card at stations or newsagents and load credit onto it. You tap in at the start of your journey and tap out at the end (even when transferring). Disposable one-hour or day tickets are also available, often directly from the bus driver (card payment preferred/sometimes required) or train station machines.
• Bank card. You can also pay trains and buses with your normal bank card. For the trains you should touch either the gate or the yellow polls at the station with your card at the stations you enter and leave the train. For the buses you do it inside the bus. This option is not more expensive then buying a regular ticket if you do not have specific discount.

Train Discounts: A standard full-fare, one-way train ticket from Schiphol to Groningen costs approximately €30-€31. However, there are ways to travel more affordably:

* Off-Peak Hours: Traveling outside of peak morning (06:30-09:00) and afternoon (16:00-18:30) commuter times on weekdays can sometimes offer reduced fares or allow the use of discount cards.

* NS Off-Peak Group Ticket: If traveling with two or more people, this ticket offers substantial savings. The price per person decreases as the group size increases (up to 7 people). All passengers must travel together during off-peak hours. You can find the latest prices and book this ticket via the NS website: https://www.ns.nl/en/tickets/off-peak-group-ticket

* Early Booking/Promotions: Occasionally, NS or international carriers may have special promotions. It’s always worth checking the NS website when planning your trip.

• Journey Planners:
  • 9292.nl (or the 9292 app): Excellent for planning door-to-door public transport journeys across all operators in the Netherlands. Available in English.
  • NS.nl (or the NS app): Best for train travel, including real-time updates and disruptions.
  • Qbuzz.nl/gd: For local bus services in the Groningen-Drenthe region.
  • Google Maps: Also provides good public transport routing.
• Check Schedules: Always check for the latest travel information, schedules, and any disruptions before you travel, especially if connecting between different modes of transport.
• Cycling: The Netherlands is extremely bike-friendly. Consider renting a bike for local travel if you’re comfortable cycling.

For this conference, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Since most evening activities will take place in the city center of Groningen, it’s easiest to book accomodation nearby. There are multiple accomodation options in the city center; from hostels, to hotels to Airbnbs. Accommodation in Groningen can get booked fast, so be sure to book early to secure your stay!

CBudget friendly hotels and hostel:

1. Budgett hostels: has rooms for 2, 3, 4 or 6 people as well as beds in dormitories
2. Simplon hostel: has rooms for 2,4 or 6 people as well as beds in dormitories
3. The happy traveller: more classical rooms

If you like camping and want to keep it low budget, Groningen has a city camping as well!

This year we support low-income countries delegates with a grant of up to €800.

Bringing Kids to IWSG conference is perfectly possible and enjoyable!

We can organise daycare for kids at the Biotoop. Please email us at iwsg.conference.2025@gmail.com if you need it.

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