Top 19 Natural Monuments around Rucphen

Beautiful nature reserve and fully developing, still very quiet at the moment.

De Oude Buisse Heide is a historic estate of approximately 200 hectares in the municipality of Zundert, near Achtmaal. It is known for its unique combination of nature and cultural history, partly because it was the former summer residence of the artist couple Henriette and Richard Roland Holst. Cultural Heritage: The Roland Holst couple hosted famous guests here and found inspiration for their work. Henriette donated the area to Natuurmonumenten in 1945. Historic Buildings: On the estate, you will find the Buisse Hoeve, the Angorahoeve (the former residence), and Richard Roland Holst's Studio. Some of these properties are available for rent as holiday homes through Buitenleven Vakanties. Vincent van Gogh: The famous painter also developed his love for nature in this area.

The nature reserve is located in the municipalities of Kalmthout and Wuustwezel, on the Dutch border. It is a small reed marsh with surrounding, sometimes wet grasslands and many rows of trees and wood edges. Together with its Dutch counterpart 'De Matjens', De Maatjes forms a cross-border nature reserve. It is especially important as a habitat for various species of reed and meadow birds. A beautiful area to come for a walk and enjoy the open landscape. From peat extraction area to nature The cross-border nature reserve was originally a stream valley with marshes, which is why it is relatively low-lying. Over time, the marshes have been used as a peat extraction area. This happened, among other things, with the construction of the Roosendaalse Vaart. These peat canals are still present in the area and ensure drainage of the area. At the same time, the regional agricultural area increased, especially on higher grounds. The share of extensively managed grasslands decreased. De Maatjes/de Matjens, the lower part of the original area, are the last remnant of the former marshland. European top nature De Maatjes is part of the European nature network Natura 2000 and is designated as a bird directive area. For example, it is a priority for De Maatjes that we work on restoring good water management, so that the conditions for bird species such as the curlew, hen harrier and bittern can improve. These are bird species that require a larger habitat than the current area. That is why, among other things, expanding suitable grasslands and reed land is important. With a number of targeted development works, the Agency for Nature and Forests is restoring the habitat of European protected bird species in De Maatjes. The improvement of nature not only makes the area more valuable for the characteristic marsh species, but also for visitors. The works fit in with the Blue Deal programme, which aims to restore wet nature. These areas are known for their sponge effect and form important carbon storage sites, so that their restoration counteracts the negative effects of climate change. Read more about the works. Lookout tower De Klot Be sure to visit De Klot, a 7-metre-high lookout tower from which you can look out over the wide area. The name 'de Klot' refers to a clog, a lump of peat or turf. You will also get more information about the peat past.

Be surprised by the rich history of this estate. The Oude Buisse Heide is a typical cultural landscape. Vincent van Gogh got his inspiration from the surroundings of the Oude Buisse Heide. It is a wonderful area for cycling or walking through old forests and along meadows, fields, fens and farms.

Sandy! Wider gravel tires are quite a must

The Oude Buisse Heide is a nature reserve and estate in the municipality of Zundert in the village of Achtmaal of over 200 ha. In 1945 it was donated by Henriette Roland Holst to the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten The area consists of forest, heathland and fens. In wet places you can find plants such as sundew and bog myrtle. The Buisse Hoeve, a long-façade farm from 1809, is a national monument. On the east side, the Oude Buisse Heide connects to the over 100 ha large nature reserve Wallsteijn, also owned by Natuurmonumenten. There is a blue walking route of 12 km and a red one of 5 km. In 1945, writer and politician Henriette Roland Holst (1869-1952) donated this special nature reserve to Natuurmonumenten. The owner spent many summers here with her husband, visual artist Rik Roland Holst, at the Angora Hoeve (Buisse Hoeve). In the Herenkamer of the adjacent farm they received celebrities such as architect Hendrik Berlage, painter Charley Toorop and poet Herman Gorter. The Oude Buisse Heide was a source of inspiration for the Roland Holst couple.

After having to sprint through the berms and switchbacks, this section allows you to rest

Kalmthoutse Heide