Nature reserves
in Nederweert
Unique nature reserves
Nederweert is a green municipality with unique nature reserves. Three of these nature areas have Natura 2000 status. A Natura 2000 area is a specially designated nature reserve where endangered plant and animal species and their habitats are protected. These areas are characterised by a unique biodiversity, and specific rules and management measures are applied here to ensure that this biodiversity is preserved and can possibly recover. The three Natura 2000 areas in the municipality of Nederweert are: National Park De Groote Peel, nature reserve de Weerterbergen and Sarsven and De Banen.
National Park De Groote Peel
National Park De Groote Peel is a Natura 2000 area located on the border of the Dutch provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant. It is a peatland area with a rich history and a unique landscape, characterised by vast peat bogs, fens, heaths and small forests. Peat used to be excavated in De Groote Peel for fuel, which contributed to the formation of the current landscape. After peat extraction, the area developed into an important nature reserve and is now a true paradise for many different bird species that breed here.
Weerterbos nature reserve
Nature reserve Weerterbos are part of the KempenBroek nature reserve, a cross-border nature reserve stretching across both the Netherlands and Belgium. Part of the Weerterbos is located in the municipality of Nederweert. The area is known for its varied landscape with alternating woods, open fields and marshes. But the Weerterbos is best known for the red deer that live there and the belling that the male red deer do during the rutting season. A nature reserve, unique in its kind.
Sarsven and De Banen
Like the Weerterbos, Sarsven and De Banen are also located in the KempenBroek cross-border nature reserve. Together, Sarsven and De Banen form a unique nature reserve in the municipality of Nederweert to the southeast of the village of Nederweert-Eind. A notable feature of this area are the water-rich landscapes. The water features contribute to diversity and form important habitats for various plant and animal species. Various water birds, amphibians and dragonflies can be found here. There are also several plant species that thrive in wet conditions.
Other nature reserves
Besides the three Natura 2000 areas, there are a number of other nature reserves in the municipality of Nederweert that are well worth a visit. Here you can hike and cycle to your heart's content, enjoying all the natural beauty you encounter along the way. Even though these areas do not have the status of a Natura 2000 area, they are still beautiful landscapes where you can discover the most wonderful flora and fauna if you look closely!
