The nature reserve
De Maashorst is full of nature and culture
The Maashorst is one of the largest contiguous nature reserves in North Brabant. An area with a beautiful, quiet nature core, forests and heathlands, drifting dunes, fens and old paths. The nature core is surrounded by a continuously changing landscape and the municipalities of Bernheze, Maashorst and Oss. Each with its own culture, historical treasures and unique characteristics.
natural highlights
An area where nature is in charge. Where trees, plants and animals are leading. Just like in the old days. Where else can you find that in the Netherlands? In De Maashorst.
The primeval area in Brabant. Walk through the forests, over towering drifting dunes and make your way along the unique faults and wijgronden. Let the beauty of nature sinck in and experience the PRIMEVAL feeling!
culturE(history)
In recent years, spectacular archaeological finds have been made at various locations in De Maashorst. Tangible memories from (pre)history.
Over the centuries, the nature reserve has changed considerably due to human intervention. Man was active in the area from an early age. The archaeological finds that have been made here also bear witness to this. For example, archaeologists found princely graves from the early ice age, a cemetery from late prehistory, the largest bronze depot in the Netherlands from Roman times and a number of forgotten villages from the Middle Ages.
plants and wildlife
The Maashorst is a diverse nature reserve with a variation of forest, heath, open areas and drifting dunes. This variation provides a great diversity of plants and wildlife.
The aim for De Maashorst is process nature. In this, the development of nature is shaped by natural processes. The idea is that man creates the optimal conditions and nature itself determines its development. Natural processes can take their course and little or no maintenance takes place. For example, dead trees are left lying around and decay in the area. This offers a source of food or habitat for other species.
History
Nature reserve De Maashorst. Heathlands, meadows and forests, height differences and open plains, water features and streams. Ancient, but shaped by man.
They all hark back to the centuries-old history of De Maashorst, in which it was the inhabitants who shaped the area over the course of many centuries. In prehistoric times it was hunters who passed through De Maashorst, later there were complete settlements of farmers and Romans. In the early Middle Ages it was as good as abandoned. But man returned at the end of the sixth century.
sub-areas
Within De Maashorst, there are various sub-areas, each with its own characteristics and qualities. We distinguish the following three areas:
- Herperduin – the northern part of De Maashorst – in the municipality of Oss
- Hooge Vorssel – the western part of De Maashorst – in the municipality of Bernheze
- Southern part of De Maashorst – between the villages of Schaijk, Uden, Nistelrode and Zeeland – in the municipality of Maashorst.