| Reading time: 8 minutes | By: Daphne |

The Netherlands is rich in beautiful forests, vast landscapes, dunes and marshlands. Going out into nature yourself is fun enough, but going out with a forester, who tells you everything about the area and its inhabitants, is even more fun! Be surprised by all the beauty hidden in Dutch nature and meet the foresters of the Netherlands.

In this blog, I take you to Dutch natural pearls and introduce you to passionate foresters. Join me in my search for the Dutch Big Five: red deer, roe deer, wild boar, beaver and seal!

1. Out with the forest ranger in the ENCI Quarry - Sint-Pietersberg, Maastricht

This walk focuses on discovering life in the ENCI quarry, past and present. The ENCI quarry is located on the Meuse side of Sint-Pietersberg and is one of the largest quarries in the Netherlands. Together with the forest ranger, you set off to experience the stories of this unique area. He or she will tell you all about nature, history and the environment you walk through.

This limestone quarry was a Cretaceous sea more than 70 million years ago, teeming with plants and animals. Unfortunately, all life in the Cretaceous Sea also died with its disappearance. Now years later and with the excavation of the marl, nature and life are slowly returning.

Honeyguide Laura also visited the ENCI quarry. Read more about her experiences in this blog.

  • Out and about with the forest ranger

2. Out on a game drive - The Hoge Veluwe

Cycling through nature, who wouldn't want that? Pedal together with a guide to an exclusive wildlife observation site on the Hoge Veluwe that can only be visited with a guide. Chances are you will actually spot wildlife. At the same time, you will learn all about the animals' behaviour and lifestyle. Who knows, you might see squirrels gathering nuts, wild boars rooting through the mud and red deer grazing. On the Veluwe, it's all possible!

More about the big five of the Netherlands? Honeyguides Brigitte and Angelique already went on a trip with a forest ranger and tell you more about them.

3. On the road in the morning - Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park

Sunrise. The moment when the sun turns night back into day. In the east, the sun slowly shows its face and warms everyone who is already awake or waking up. For me, sunrise is a magical moment and therefore I don't want to withhold this beautiful morning walk from you!

During this walk across the Sallandse Heuvelrug, you will set off with the forester and explore the rolling landscape as nature awakens. The forester will not only tell you about the flora and fauna, but also about the culture and history of the area. The first sunlight creates beautiful images that almost (even if I say so myself) make you emotional. For an early bird like me, this walk is pure enjoyment.

  • Out and about with the forest ranger
  • Out and about with the forest ranger

4. On the road with the Eco-Car - Horsterworld

To take a break from the daily grind, you can undertake many activities in Horsterwold. This new wilderness is Flevoland's youngest nature development area. Step into the eco-cart and trek with a guide through an area you can't help but love. Enjoy all the sounds and impressions and let them come to you in peace.

This is where you can best enjoy the peace and quiet of the semi-open forest landscape. Put your senses on alert and make the most of the sounds and smells that come your way. Go out with the forest ranger and discover this wealth of plants, trees and animals.

Are you going to Flevoland? Honeyguide Amanda wrote about nature excursions in Flevoland in this blog!

5. On the road in the dark - National Park De Groote Peel

Actually, as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the moon. The influence the full moon has on nature and its role in age-old folk tales. Wolves howl and white whales soar. Are you as fond of the moon as I am, or are you simply open to a very special walk? Then I have found a beautiful full-moon walk in National Park de Grote Peel where you will go out with the forest ranger and experience the magic of the moon for yourself.

The Gold of the Peel
De Groote Peel National Park is known for its open plains of water, heathland, birch trees and sand ridges. The park is situated on the border between North Brabant and Limburg. A wonderful area for nature lovers and full-moon walks! During the full-moon walks in De Groote Peel, you’ll wander along moonlit paths with your guide. Your senses will be heightened and you’ll become one with nature. As the walk progresses, the sounds of nature and the darkness of the night become your companions. Afterwards, you can share your experiences around the crackling fire pit whilst enjoying a drink.​

Honeyguide Yalou wrote in this blog about why and where we can enjoy darkness.

6. Sleeping with the forester - Special overnight stays

Stay in the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands and imagine yourself in the world of the forest ranger. Make friends with the animals, the trees, the plants, the sun and the stars. Do you feel like waking up in total tranquillity? Then go sleep with the forest ranger!

Here, you spend the night at a unique location where nature begins at your tent, trailer, caravan or motorhome. In total, there are 22 natural camping sites where you can spend the night. Each location offers something unique, such as camping in the woods, near the water or in the dunes. Experience your own adventure and stay at one of the camping sites of Staatsbosbeheer.

I love being in and with nature! Nature fascinates, inspires and brings happiness. In any case, I already feel like going out into nature again.

Will you be setting off with the forest ranger too? Let us know on Instagram using #heyhoneyguide

With love,
Daphne

More nature blogs - Discover the Netherlands