Pannenhoef, Rijsbergen and Breda

706 hectares of heathland, marshland and fens characterize the area between Zundert, Etten-Leur and Rijsbergen, but the Ulvenhoutse Bos near Breda should not be forgotten. The landscape of the Pannenhoef nature reserve was created by extracting peat and reclaiming the area. For three centuries, people left their mark on the environment, and in the context of providing work, they also raised parts of the nature reserve that emerged. The fens have a rich variety of plant growth. Fenugreek, bell gentian, marsh violet, lesser skullcap and spotted orchid are just a few of the many plants that occur in the swampy Pannenhoef and the banks of the fens are densely covered with, among other things, water purslane, floating rush and blue sedge. On the heath remnants, which are regularly plucked, you will find round and small sundews. There are also beautiful plants in the forests near Breda. The oldest parts of the nature reserve are more than a thousand years old and you will find a wealth of diversity: The slender primrose, wood anemone, common berry, large beetle orchid, yellow nailwort and white rapunzel. The old, loamy, moist sessile oak-beech forest of 112 hectares is designated as a Natura 2000 area and was created for timber production and hunting. This forest is, as it were, a living museum piece. You can park your car for free at the parking lot at the starting point of the cycle route.