Lage Mierde, Poppel and Esbeek

A special wet heath, which was put on the map as a Natura 2000 area due to the moist soil and the presence of the special floating water plantain. As befits a renowned nature reserve, there are of course also many other species of flora and fauna to be found. The observant cyclist sees birds from the black-headed gull colony on Rovertse Heide. But other species such as little grebe, teal, curlew, skylark and black-headed gull have also made the area their home. Also look for swamp clubmoss and white water crowfoot. These plants had disappeared from the area for 20 years, but found their way back through good management. You will also see knotweed pondweed and marsh deer hay growing on the wet fields. Cycle around the De Utrecht estate, to which the Wellenseindse Heide connects. The forest area covers approximately 2,500 hectares and consists of Scots pine, Douglas fir and European larch. These trees were cut down to supply shoring wood to South Limburg coal mines. The Reusel valley, the meandering stream, and areas around the fens where bell gentian, marsh club moss, white-billed rush and white-beaked eagle bloom, are very beautiful. There are also cultural monuments: an old fire tower with a forester's house from 1905 is one of the hidden gems in the woods.