They were built to protect our country: the forts of the Dutch Waterlines. Each fort was located exactly on a part of the water line that was weak and therefore easy for the enemy to cross. In the event of a threat, shots could then be fired from the fort. An added bonus was that the area around the fort had to remain empty to keep the field of fire clear. So much for a history lesson. This empty area now mainly ensures that many forts are beautiful nature reserves and breeding grounds for rare animals.
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