Ospel, Maarheeze and Someren-Eind

A bird-rich nature reserve of over 1400 hectares, where peat used to be cut: that can only be the raised bog area of National Park De Groote Peel. Here nature is at its best, because you see no infrastructure that disfigures the environment, while the church towers of the surrounding villages on the horizon provide a beautiful picture. On the edge of the Weerterbos you can go for something tasty at Huyskamer Daatjeshoeve.

The natural value of De Groote Peel is enhanced by the traces left by peat extraction. These not only add a cultural-historical dimension, but also a landscape dimension: nature has become more varied and large pools of water, small peat pits and peat canals have emerged.

In addition to many common plants, you will of course also find specific raised bog plants in De Groote Peel. Peat moss, sundew and lavender heather are just a few examples. Rare butterflies and dragonflies, such as the silver-studded blue and the white-faced dragonfly are attracted to the combination of vegetation and water, while special breeding birds, including the black-necked grebe, the nightjar and the bittern hide between the reeds on the banks of the water or build their nests in the trees and shrubs.