De Maashorst
Natural grazing with Tauros, European bison and Exmoor ponies
In the nature core we ensure that process nature is given space. By this we mean that the management and development of nature is determined by natural processes and less and less by human intervention. This contributes to De Maashorst’s identity as the OER area in province North Brabant. For example, dead wood remains and trees are outlined instead of cut down. The wild animals and grazers in the core are part of the intended ecosystem and in that sense also the managers of the area. Together with users and entrepreneurs, we are working on improved recreational facilities in and around the natural shell so that the nature core can develop further in peace and quiet and you really experience the primal feeling there. The aim is to develop De Maashorst sustainably in such a way that all target groups and nature (people, planet, profit) benefit from it.
The area stretches form Zeeland till Nistelrode and from Oss to Uden. Geographically the area is known for its percolation water which is sometimes found on higher locations. The Nature plan aims for species like red deer, badger, pine marten, red-backed shrike, raven, kingfisher, nightjar and natterjack-toad. All species except for red deer are present already. In 2016 large grazers have been introduced: European bison, Exmoorpony and tauros. Efforts have been focused on restoring watersystem, changing agricultural grounds into nature, monitor how large grazers are grazing and using the area and design the area in a way people can enjoy nature safely. The ground owners: Municipalities Oss, Uden, Landerd and Bernheze and National State forest (Staatsbosbeheer) are working together with local stakeholders such as the Water board, Bosgroep Zuid Nederland, local nature organisations, recreational groups, and other local stakeholders to create this nature area: De Maashorst the Primal (Oer) area in Noord-Brabant.
- Land acquisition and grazing: through the purchase / self-realization, design and conversion of agricultural land and the use of large grazers, the aim is to realize new nature (NNB) and, among other things, through the use of large grazers, the aim is to achieve process nature.
- Natural forest development: the forest develops by making structure holes, variable thinning and planting missing tree species. We also preserve old, decaying and dead trees. More deciduous forest leads to less rainwater evaporation
- Restoration of the water system: an important task for strengthening the nature reserve is the restoration of the water system by reduction of dehydration and increasing the groundwater supply (more deciduous trees and water retention).
- Defragmentation: connecting the sub-areas in De Maashorst with each other by constructing ecoducts and removing roads from the public domain
- Withdrawal of humans (in the long term and as much as possible) from nature management,
- Space for recreation: we do not see tourism and recreation (read: more visitors) as a goal in itself, but as an integral part of sustainable area development and deployed as a means to contribute to social objectives where residents, visitors, companies and the benefit from nature, such as:
- Strengthen identity and pride
- Increase the quality of life and contribution to the health of local residents
- Realizing nature objectives
- Job creation
- the conversion of a planted pine forest to a natural forest is entering the final phase
- measures have been taken to limit the extraction of groundwater and the discharge of rainwater and thereby the groundwater level in the nature core is higher
- the natural balance between the area and the size of the population of large grazers and wild animals, with minimal human intervention, is still evolving.
- clearly present recreational zoning (process nature - recreational nature - small-scale agricultural shell)
- The recreational infrastructure and facilities for people with disabilities or disabilities (parking, toilets and wheelchair paths) have been improved
- through safety measures and repeated communication and information about the behavior and whereabouts of the large grazers the resistance to these animals among some of the visitors and residents has been decreased
- Land acquisition and nature development with the opening of the ecoduct that connects the north with the south in 2019. In 2020 the nature core area is about 1250 ha.
- Creating a network of Maashorst rangers (volunteers) who give excursions and keep an eye on the herds.
- Cooperation between municipalities to increase surveillance in the area
- First bison transport in 2020 from Maashorst to Slikken van Heen-Zeeland within the Netherlands.
- Recreation in the natural shell is supported with amenities such as signposted routes, benches and parking spaces. In recent years, new routes and dog walking areas have also been constructed here. Existing routes in the nature center have remained accessible
- An evaluation of the large grazers took place in 2020. The effect of these animals on nature development and the public's perception of safety was investigated. In 2021 we will take the first safety precautions.
In the nature core we ensure that process nature is given space. By this we mean that the management and development of nature is determined by natural processes and less and less by human intervention. This contributes to De Maashorst’s identity as the OER area in province North Brabant. For example, dead wood remains and trees are outlined instead of cut down. The wild animals and grazers in the core are part of the intended ecosystem and in that sense also the managers of the area. Together with users and entrepreneurs, we are working on improved recreational facilities in and around the natural shell so that the nature core can develop further in peace and quiet and you really experience the primal feeling there. The aim is to develop De Maashorst sustainably in such a way that all target groups and nature (people, planet, profit) benefit from it.
The area stretches form Zeeland till Nistelrode and from Oss to Uden. Geographically the area is known for its percolation water which is sometimes found on higher locations. The Nature plan aims for species like red deer, badger, pine marten, red-backed shrike, raven, kingfisher, nightjar and natterjack-toad. All species except for red deer are present already. In 2016 large grazers have been introduced: European bison, Exmoorpony and tauros. Efforts have been focused on restoring watersystem, changing agricultural grounds into nature, monitor how large grazers are grazing and using the area and design the area in a way people can enjoy nature safely. The ground owners: Municipalities Oss, Uden, Landerd and Bernheze and National State forest (Staatsbosbeheer) are working together with local stakeholders such as the Water board, Bosgroep Zuid Nederland, local nature organisations, recreational groups, and other local stakeholders to create this nature area: De Maashorst the Primal (Oer) area in Noord-Brabant.
- Land acquisition and grazing: through the purchase / self-realization, design and conversion of agricultural land and the use of large grazers, the aim is to realize new nature (NNB) and, among other things, through the use of large grazers, the aim is to achieve process nature.
- Natural forest development: the forest develops by making structure holes, variable thinning and planting missing tree species. We also preserve old, decaying and dead trees. More deciduous forest leads to less rainwater evaporation
- Restoration of the water system: an important task for strengthening the nature reserve is the restoration of the water system by reduction of dehydration and increasing the groundwater supply (more deciduous trees and water retention).
- Defragmentation: connecting the sub-areas in De Maashorst with each other by constructing ecoducts and removing roads from the public domain
- Withdrawal of humans (in the long term and as much as possible) from nature management,
- Space for recreation: we do not see tourism and recreation (read: more visitors) as a goal in itself, but as an integral part of sustainable area development and deployed as a means to contribute to social objectives where residents, visitors, companies and the benefit from nature, such as:
- Strengthen identity and pride
- Increase the quality of life and contribution to the health of local residents
- Realizing nature objectives
- Job creation
- the conversion of a planted pine forest to a natural forest is entering the final phase
- measures have been taken to limit the extraction of groundwater and the discharge of rainwater and thereby the groundwater level in the nature core is higher
- the natural balance between the area and the size of the population of large grazers and wild animals, with minimal human intervention, is still evolving.
- clearly present recreational zoning (process nature - recreational nature - small-scale agricultural shell)
- The recreational infrastructure and facilities for people with disabilities or disabilities (parking, toilets and wheelchair paths) have been improved
- through safety measures and repeated communication and information about the behavior and whereabouts of the large grazers the resistance to these animals among some of the visitors and residents has been decreased
- Land acquisition and nature development with the opening of the ecoduct that connects the north with the south in 2019. In 2020 the nature core area is about 1250 ha.
- Creating a network of Maashorst rangers (volunteers) who give excursions and keep an eye on the herds.
- Cooperation between municipalities to increase surveillance in the area
- First bison transport in 2020 from Maashorst to Slikken van Heen-Zeeland within the Netherlands.
- Recreation in the natural shell is supported with amenities such as signposted routes, benches and parking spaces. In recent years, new routes and dog walking areas have also been constructed here. Existing routes in the nature center have remained accessible
- An evaluation of the large grazers took place in 2020. The effect of these animals on nature development and the public's perception of safety was investigated. In 2021 we will take the first safety precautions.