Top 20 Natural Monuments around Boekel

The Peelrand fault near Uden is one of the most recognizable fault zones in Brabant and cuts across the landscape between the Bedafse Bergen and the Annabos. This geological fault causes a height difference of several meters, but more importantly, a difference in water management that is immediately visible in the terrain. On the higher side of the fault, mineral-rich groundwater rises, making this higher part wetter than the lower-lying zone adjacent to it. This inverse pattern of wet and dry is both indicative and unique to this area. Along the fault line, you can see how the dry drifting sand of the Bedafse Zandduinen abruptly transitions into dark, moist soil where seepage water surfaces. The water often has a reddish-brown hue due to the iron carried from the deeper layers. This transition is clearly visible in the field: a few meters further, the landscape changes completely, from dry and light sand to wet, boggy terrain with alders, sedges, and other moisture-loving plants. The Peelrand fault near Uden is therefore a significant geological feature that shapes the entire area. Without it, the Bedafse Bergen wouldn't be so dry and drifting, and the Annabos wouldn't be so wet and seepage-prone. The fault makes this part of Uden one of the best places to see the "wisp" phenomenon in person, and it gives the hiking trail a scenic quality found in few other places.

The Bedafse Bergen form a striking drifting sand area between Uden and Vorstenbosch. The landscape was created by centuries of sand drift after the original forests were cleared for agriculture and firewood in the Middle Ages. The wind carried the loose sand and accumulated it into hills and sand ridges—the present-day sand dunes of the Bedafse Bergen. The area consists of open drifting sand, low and high sand hills, dry heathland, and small transitions to forest. The dunes have remained active because managers keep sections open, thus preserving the character of a true drifting sand area. The higher ridges offer clear views over the undulating sand landscape, which differs significantly from the typical Brabant forests and farmland. The Bedafse Bergen are one of the few remaining places in North Brabant where this type of landscape can still be seen so clearly: a rugged, dry, and dynamic terrain with natural elevation changes. This makes it both scenically unique and physically challenging, especially when you hike up and down the steep sandy slopes several times. Today, it's a protected nature reserve and a popular hiking area due to its unique dune landscape, open vistas, and stark contrast with the surrounding landscape.

The Bedafse Bergen form a striking drifting sand area between Uden and Vorstenbosch. The landscape was created by centuries of sand drift after the original forests were cleared for agriculture and firewood in the Middle Ages. The wind carried the loose sand and accumulated it into hills and sand ridges—the present-day sand dunes of the Bedafse Bergen. The area consists of open drifting sand, low and high sand hills, dry heathland, and small transitions to forest. The dunes have remained active because managers keep sections open, thus preserving the character of a true drifting sand area. The higher ridges offer clear views over the undulating sand landscape, which differs significantly from the typical Brabant forests and farmland. The Bedafse Bergen are one of the few remaining places in North Brabant where this type of landscape can still be seen so clearly: a rugged, dry, and dynamic terrain with natural elevation changes. This makes it both scenically unique and physically challenging, especially when you hike up and down the steep sandy slopes several times. Today, it's a protected nature reserve and a popular hiking area due to its unique dune landscape, open vistas, and stark contrast with the surrounding landscape.

Extra beautiful when the heather is in bloom.

The Stippelberg is a large nature reserve. Yet it is well hidden in the east of Brabant, near the village of De Rips. Walk in the eastern part of the Stippelberg over the beautiful lanes that belong to the country house. And admire the rhododendrons that brighten up the estate. A striking feature of the Stippelberg are the many hills in the middle of the forest. All these 'dots' are drifting dunes created by sand drifts. The Stippelberg owes its name to these hills. Due to afforestation for wood production, you can now find an extensive pine forest here. Take a walk in this forest over the dots in the landscape. A place that you really must have seen is d'n Blikken Emmer. This place is on top of the highest dot. But what exactly can you admire? At this spot you can see a bucket hanging on top of a pole. Now you might think, why a bucket? In the past, when forest workers were allowed to take a break, this bucket was hit. It was also a fire alarm. Source and more information: Natuurmonumenten

Orbital grounds are rare and almost unheard of elsewhere in Europe. Fractures in a subsurface made up of layers of clay

The Bedafse Bergen is a special piece of primeval territory where you can wander freely and where it feels as if time has stood still.

The Stippelberg owes its name to the 'dots' in the landscape. These are spring dunes that were created when the area was still open and the sand could drift freely. The shifting sand got stuck on the wetter soils of the Breuk van Milheeze. The result: a hilly landscape full of dots.