De Kampina (just 4 km away) is Brabant as it once was. Here you can still find wet heathlands with small ponds, fragrant bog myrtle shrubs, meadows, deciduous forests, and bluegrass fields. We are gradually transforming the monotonous pine forests into a much more varied habitat for animals, plants, and fungi. A great success is the return of the badger. De Kampina has dozens of ponds, just like the nearby Oisterwijk Forests and Ponds. Most of the ponds were formed during the last Ice Age. The polar wind blew the sand into small hills, and in the hollowed-out depressions that formed, rainwater collected. Due to the underlying clay layer, this water did not drain away. The Belversven and Winkelsven formed in a different way. These are remnants of the meltwater valley of the Beerze, a stream that now flows much further east.

A second beautiful walking and cycling nature area is the Loonse and Drunense Dunes (11 km away). In the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, you will find forest, heathland, and especially a lot of sand. It is one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe. The wind can blow unhindered in many places, creating a constantly changing landscape. Since it was purchased in 1921, it has been protected for over 100 years, allowing us to still enjoy this Brabantese Sahara.

On the sand plain, you are free to roam. There is plenty of space for long walks. Marvel at the sand-covered trees, enjoy the chirping field crickets, and quench your thirst at one of the many cafés or restaurants at the edge of this nature area. Walking, cycling, or horseback riding: it’s all possible here. With the wind in your hair and sand in your shoes, you might even encounter the flock of sheep. The sheep keep the heath short and eat young saplings.