Winter wonderland

For centuries, the Bleeke Heide was virtually unusable wasteland for humans. It was a swampy, rolling heathland, with scattered copses and large and small fens. It must have been a true bird paradise, especially for waterfowl and waders.

In the first half of the 19th century, it was drained as much as possible and largely forested. Of the fens, only a few pools remained. Around 1900, when artificial fertiliser became available, barren sandy soils suddenly became interesting for agriculture. The Bleeke Heide was deforested again, levelled and used as pasture and arable land. The water table was lowered even further.

Yet flocks of migratory birds continued to use the area as a winter stopover.

Water and meadow birds

In the 1990s, the Bleeke Heide was designated as a goose and meadow bird area, under the National Nature Policy Plan. Management came into the hands of the Forestry Commission in 1999. Once again, everything went to pot. A number of fens were dug out again, the old differences in height were reinstated with the released soil, and weirs in the watercourses raised the water level considerably.

It became an instant success. Large groups of ducks, geese and waders now winter on the Bleeke Heide again. Only when winter really strikes and the ground and fens freeze over do they leave.

Observation wall

The bird-watching area behind the earthen wall has been replaced by a concrete wall placed at a more favourable angle. From behind this wall with openings, the birds can be well viewed without disturbing them. This is where we start the morning, but we also take a walk along the water as far as possible. The paths around the Bleeke Heide are not accessible from 15 November to 15 March ; it is then 'resting area'.

Tips: Don't forget your binoculars!

Pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure suitable footwear and clothing, preferably in muted colours.

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