Oak trees in the early morning light on a misty morning by Jan van der Vlies

About "Oak trees in the early morning light on a misty morning"

by Jan van der Vlies

About the artwork

oak trees in the early morning light creating warm hues

Forestry Dorst in North Brabant

Boswachterij Dorst is a vast nature reserve of about 1,117 hectares, managed by Staatsbosbeheer, and located in the Barony of Breda between the towns of Rijen, Oosterhout, Teteringen and Dorst in North Brabant. It borders the cities of Breda, Oosterhout and Tilburg, forming a green lung in an increasingly urbanised area. Once created as a production forest with Scots pines on former heathland (such as the Seterse Heide), it has now been transformed into a park-like recreational area with varied landscapes, designed by landscape architect Berno Strootman. Ideal for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers, it offers a mix of forests, fens and open fields.

Nature and landscape
The area is characterised by coarse pine forests, as well as hardwoods, fens, loam pits and managed sand drifts. You will find grazing Galloway cattle, which keep the landscape open, and various birds such as long-eared owls. There are play forests for children, such as Heksenberg, where you can climb and build. It is a habitat for insects, birds and wildflowers, with a focus on biodiversity by returning old wetlands to nature.

Sights
- **Hiking trails**: The popular Walking Route Steenblik (about 5-10 km) leads past loam pits, fens and Heksenberg play forest. Start at Natuurpoort BOS & Co (Seterse Hoeve) or the car park on Wethouder van Dijklaan.