South Limburg and its nature

Nothing is as soothing for children as nature. This route takes you through the Brunssummerheide. The Brunssummerheide is a heathland area of approximately 600 hectares, a nature reserve of the Association of Nature Monuments; this concerns in particular the so-called Schrieversheide. On the other hand, this is also the name for the approximately 1800 hectare recreational area in which this nature reserve is located. Recreational use includes: walking, cycling, golfing and horse riding. Past junction 76 we pass a sheepfold. A sheepfold is a so-called pot stable and serves as a shelter for sheep that grazed the heath. Nowadays the sheep often lie on straw, but previously heather sods were used for this. The sheep then defecate on the straw/heather sods and because they walk in the cage, the straw or sods mix with the manure. This stable manure is very fertile and was previously used for the fields in the area. The use of this manure made the fields higher and higher. The fields are called essen or engen. The sheep of a sheepfold generally graze the heathland around the sheepfold under the management of a sheepherder. This form of natural landscape management ensures that the heathlands are preserved and do not overgrow with grass, shrubs and trees and ultimately become forests. The authentic appearance of a sheepfold means that most sheepfolds are a tourist attraction in the region. It is often stated where the sheep are at the moment and when they will return to the fold under the guidance of the shepherd. On the edge of the Brunssummerheide nature reserve you will find a beautifully renovated visitor center. You can go to the Natuurmonumenten desk six days a week for all your questions.