Ospel, Maarheeze and Someren-Eind

A bird-rich nature reserve of over 1,400 hectares, where peat used to be cut: that can only be the raised bog area of De Groote Peel National Park. Here nature is at its best, because you see no infrastructure that mars the area, while the church towers of the surrounding villages on the horizon provide a beautiful picture. On the edge of the Weerterbos you can enjoy something tasty at Huyskamer Daatjeshoeve.

The natural value of De Groote Peel is enhanced by the traces left behind by peat extraction. These not only add a cultural-historical dimension, but also a landscape one: nature has become more varied and large ponds, small peat wells and peeling 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 heath are just a few examples. Rare butterflies and dragonflies, such as the peacock dragonfly and the white-nosed 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 among the reeds on the banks of the water or build their nests in the trees and shrubs.