Breda, Oosterhout and Dongen

The extensive forest area Boswachterij Dorst is located between Breda, Oosterhout and Dongen. This Staatsbosbeheer property is 1,117 hectares in size and consists mainly of Scots pine trees that were planted in the early nineteenth century. In those days this area was still called'Seterse Heide\\\'. Heath remnants and deciduous forests can be seen in the area. There are also a number of clay pits created by the activities of a former brick factory in the region. Yellow-green sedge, decumbent winglet, and ground star are some of the plants you'll find in the landscape. In the mid-nineteenth century, many trees were cut down as the area was used as a military training ground. This also resulted in many sand drifts. When Staatsbosbeheer took possession of the area, trees were planted again. Birds use the area as a breeding ground; sparrow hawk, tree falcon and various woodpecker species and various butterflies flutter from flower to flower here. Brown oak page, heather blue, variegated tadpole, greenhorn and the small kingfisher butterfly are no exceptions in the healthy nature of this area. Exmoor ponies and Scottish highlanders maintain the vegetation. The Grote Schans, or Spinolaschans, is also a nice part of the route. The original castle was built in 1624-1625, but was also used during the siege of Breda. Until 1952, the Spinolaschans served as an extremely good defense because of its favorable location on the river Mark, but after that time it was demilitarized. In 2007, a number of pools were created on the west and north sides of the former military complex, as an ecological connecting zone between the polder and the surrounding nature reserve. Profile Peter van den Broek is located at the start of the route, in Breda. After you have parked your car for free in the parking lot, you can get a 10 euro discount at this Profile branch with your bicycle discount pass. This discount applies to maintenance and repairs, so have your bike thoroughly inspected before you set off, so that you can safely start the bike ride.