Southeast of Eindhoven, near Heeze, stretches the beautiful Strabrechtse Heide, a vast nature reserve of about 1500 hectares where you can wander endlessly. Although at first glance it looks like a vast heath with mainly heather and shrub heather, the area is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including special plants such as carnivorous sundew and water spoons. True nature lovers are invited here to explore and spot these natural wonders. In addition, there are numerous fens where you can admire various species of dragonflies, and the area is also home to unique animal species such as the moor frog and the natterjack toad.
In the heart of the Strabrechtse Heide lies the Galgenberg, a protected piece of open drifting sand that is crucial for the preservation of the area’s characteristic flora and fauna. Plants such as sheep grass, bunt and spurrie thrive here.
There are several fens spread over the Strabrechtse Heide, including the largest in the Netherlands called ‘het Beuven’, with an area of 85 hectares. This fen is invaluable for both birds and plants, and to prevent it from overgrowing with reeds, an alternative waterway has been constructed to regulate the water supply. In addition to the Beuven, the area is home to 12 other fens that support a diverse ecosystem.
There are plenty of recreational opportunities on the Strabrechtse Heide. There is a large riding school with eatery, several campsites, hotels, cycling and walking paths and various catering establishments. On the edge of the area is the foundation ‘het Kempische Heideschaap’, which takes care of the natural maintenance of the heath with a flock of no less than 350 sheep.
If you still have time left after a day in nature, a visit to Heeze Castle is recommended, just 10 minutes by bike from the Strabrechtse Heide.
During the E-Fatbike tour ‘nature and villages‘ you will ride over this beautiful heath.
