Tour of Brunssummerheide

Short cycle route of 13 km around the Brunssummerheide

Brunssummerheide

The Brunssummerheide is managed by Natuurmonumenten.
Most of the undeveloped areas on and around the Brunssummerheide were located in wet marshlands and poor sandy soils. Initially, there was forest here with small settlements here and there. The farmers often started to cut down the forest on the fertile loess soils for the benefit of arable farming. This ensured that more people came to live there. In the Middle Ages, Schinveld and Brunssum, among others, were small villages with hayfields and fields, located between the wastelands. In time, the forests also disappeared on poor soils, resulting in the development of extensive heathlands under the influence of the pot stable system. Not all of the forest disappeared. Around 1800, there were local oak-birch forests that were probably used as coppice. The valley of the Roode Beek remained virtually in its natural state. At the beginning of 1800, part of this area (enclave Sternbach) was drained by attempts at development. It was not until the 20th century that the area underwent major changes due to the arrival of mining. Intensive brown coal mining took place in the area, which resulted in the 'sand plain' being created by the application of excess sand. Coniferous forests were planted at the beginning of the previous century. The deciduous forests that still existed at that time were converted for the benefit of mining. After the mines closed, these coniferous trees were not cut down but were managed regularly. (Source: Concept management plan province of Limburg, 2009)

Brunssummerheide Visitor Centre
Schaapskooiweg 99,
6414 EL Heerlen
T (045) 563 03 55
bc.brunssummerheide@natuurmonumenten.nl