Voorsterbos

The Voorsterbos, around which this cycle tour leads, was planted in 1944 and is one of the oldest forests in Overijssel. This part of the polder is too wet for agriculture because the soil consists mainly of sand and boulder clay. The trees and vegetation are diverse and have attracted around sixty different bird species. You will encounter rare specimens such as the lesser spotted woodpecker, the beautifully singing nightingale and the cheerfully whistling oriole here, but birds of prey such as the honey buzzard and the sparrowhawk also feel very much at home in the Voorsterbos. Deer hide among the trees, but pine martens and small amphibians also live from the wealth that the forests, soil and water in the area have to offer. When it gets dark, the bats also become active. You can park your car at the Zwarte Water Recreation Center in Zwartsluis, this is the start and end point of the cycling route. There is a lot to do in the field of water sports around the recreation center. There is therefore a lot of activity. During the reclamation of the province, impressive sights were created: several shipwrecks were uncovered. Further along the route you will encounter a wrecking ship no fewer than three times. When you have cycled past Vollenhove through the Bentpolder and left the Voorsterbos behind you, you will see De Foeke. This mill is still very young and was built in 1968. This stilt jacket dominates the landscape - you can see it from a distance - and can be viewed up close. The polder mill was built at the time to enhance the nearby visitor center and is a feast for the eyes!