Dunes of Loon and Drunen National Park
A Dutch desert
The province of North Brabant has its own desert. The Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park forms one of the largest active sand drifts in Western Europe. The sand drifts are constantly changing due to wind and weather conditions, creating a landscape with a dynamic character. The drifting sand just needs a bit of wind to create breathtaking spectacles of nature. Don’t underestimate the changes in temperature, which can reach as high as 40 °C during the day in summer and drop to around freezing in the evening, hence the ‘Brabant Sahara’ nickname.
Flora in the Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park
A special mix of plants have adapted to the dry, sandy terrain and thrive in this park. In addition to sand, the Dunes of Loon and Drunen also have many mosses and grasses. An interesting sight is the transition area where the pine forests and heather gradually merge with the shifting sands. Heather blooms in the heathlands and turns the fields a beautiful purple in late summer. Pines and oaks are dotted throughout the area, creating a varied and lively landscape. The vegetation also provides shaded areas and variation in the ecosystem, benefiting the biodiversity of the park.
Rich in fauna and unusual animal species
The Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park is a haven for various animals. For example, deer and foxes live here and can often be spotted in the wooded areas. You will also find unique species such as the sand lizard, which has an ideal habitat thanks to the warm sandy plains. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Birds of prey, such as buzzards and hawks, use the open landscape as hunting grounds.
Activities in nature
The Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park offers plenty of recreational activities in nature. There are hiking, cycling and horse riding routes that take you through the most beautiful parts of the park. Hikers are in for a treat with the rugged, adventurous terrain and hiking excursions are organised throughout the year. For those looking for action and adventure, there are GPS tours, bridle paths and mountain bike trails that pass right through the sand and forests. Children can have fun in the large sandy areas and adventure playgrounds, so there's something for everyone.
Nature reserves in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has no fewer than 40 nature reserves, 21 of which are National Parks and 20 National Landscapes.
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