Staatsbossen and Peelrand

The Landscape

The Peelrand is a fascinating transition zone between the higher sandy soils and the lower peatlands in the eastern part of North Brabant. The landscape here has been shaped by centuries of geological processes and human intervention. Along the edge of the Peel, sand ridges, stream valleys, ancient peat remnants and fault lines come together to form a colourful and varied landscape. For centuries, this was a difficult area to access, with marshes, wet heath and peat bogs. From the 19th century onwards, large-scale reclamation began: heath was drained, peat was excavated and farmland was created. Today, you’ll find a surprising patchwork of historic cultural landscapes, young forests, fields, meadows and traces of living raised bog.

The Staatsbossen in North Brabant were created through major landscape transformations in the 20th century. During a period of land reclamation and job creation, vast heathlands and drifting sand areas were planted with coniferous trees to stabilize the soil and produce timber. Over time, these planted forests have evolved into valuable nature reserves, featuring a mosaic of coniferous and deciduous woodland, open heath, sand drifts and tranquil fens. Thanks to ongoing restoration efforts, wet depressions and natural streams are returning, giving plants and animals the space to thrive once again.