Stramproy's treasures

Stramprooierbroek is a beautiful landscape that is ideal for cycling. It is a remnant of what was once a gigantic swamp. Wet grasslands and open swamp zones alternate with alder forests, willow thickets and oak forests, where nature can take its course and grow. Locally you will find small heather butterflies. Colorful butterflies such as the pied butterfly, the small kingfisher butterfly and the large reflection butterfly flutter around here and you will see different types of dragonflies: the early glazier, the glass cutter and the spotted glosser dragonfly. The Tungelerwallen will also make a lasting impression on you. Don't forget to take an insect guide with you, because in this planted pine forest, on the heathland and in the drifting sand area you will encounter all kinds of unusual species. In the open areas, the antlion and the digger wasps work hard to keep their colonies healthy. You can also hear grasshoppers and field crickets chirping. Birds have a good time there, because there is more than enough food for them. The woodlark, tree pipit and stonechat make themselves heard when you cycle through the woods or across the fields. During autumn, the mosses give an extra dimension to the area. Lichens such as gray serpent, pear moss, rough maidenhair and the rare Icelandic moss grow on the border areas between drifting sand and heath. Along the way you will pass the Broekmolen in Stramproy. This old undershot water mill was built in 1738 on the Aanbeek. The mill is located on an estate that also contained a large farm. The mill was used to grind grain and was equipped with three pairs of grinding stones. In 1868 the mill was renovated and acquired its current appearance. The mill remained in professional operation until the mid-twentieth century, but when it came to a standstill it fell into disrepair. A private party bought the mill in 1971 and had the Broekmolen renovated. The mill can no longer grind because the grinding stones are too worn, but the mill can be visited by appointment.