Ravensbos by Nop Briex

About "Ravensbos"

by Nop Briex

About the artwork

The Ravensbosch (sometimes also written Ravensbos) is partly located in the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul, another, larger part is situated in the municipality of Beekdaelen near Hulsberg and Schimmert.

Ravensbosch is a varied slope forest with height differences of about 50 meters and an area of about 80 hectares. In the forest there are two ponds which are pushed up by two dams. The very hilly forest, although located on busy thoroughfares, has remained relatively unknown. The forest is accessible from all directions and seems to offer a different view from every 'entrance'. The forest has a great length of narrow and wide paths.

The forest consists largely of former coppice, which has been converted into upright oak forest. In the low-lying parts along the Strabekervloedgraaf (a tributary stream of the Geul) you will find ash wood, ponds and marshy areas. Plants such as giant horsetail and wood rush grow here and the glowworm can be seen.

Several Roman villas (Roman villa Op den Billich and Roman villa Ravensbosch) and other Roman buildings have been excavated in the area. In the early 19th century, Martin Cudell (1773-1845), who can be seen as Limburg's first archaeologist, believed that the site of Coriovallum, whose location was unknown at the time, should be sought in the Ravensbosch.

Because I grew up in the area I have loved coming to this place since my early childhood. A beautiful spring brook forest with adjacent grain and beet fields and a beautiful farmhouse. To my right at about 50 meters (not in the picture) is the former home with studio of the already deceased and very locally known artist Charles Eyck. This work of art shows the Haasdal looking south. A very romantic place where I can enjoy peace and nature. Now available to order at Werk aan de Muur!