Pannenhoef is a nature reserve of approximately 706 ha located between Zundert, Etten-Leur and Rijsbergen in the province of Noord-Brabant and is owned by the Stichting Brabants Landschap. In the area, which largely consists of mixed forest, there are eleven fens and some heath remnants with an important natural value. In the area grows, among other things, bog asphodel and spotted orchid. Many birds breed there, including green woodpecker and buzzard.
Forest, fens and flowery meadows characterise the Pannenhoef, a beautiful nature reserve between Etten-Leur, Zundert, Rijsbergen and Sprundel, which is no less than 706 hectares in size. Originally, a kind of mini-Peel was located here. The entire peat package was dug away in a few centuries, between 1400 and 1750. In dried form - peat - it went to the cities via peat canals, as fuel for households and breweries. The most famous is the 'Turfvaart' that runs to Breda. What remained was a hilly heath with fens in the basins. There was little to be gained there and so in the 19th century the area was developed into forest and agricultural land.
Walking through varied forest and flowery meadow When Brabants Landschap bought this area in 1970, it was boring with few natural values: fertilised agricultural land, young uniform coniferous forest and no more fens. Little life to be seen. After 40 years, that image has changed completely: attractive mixed forest and no fewer than 11 fens have been dug out again. This also brought back rare plants, such as the heather moor grass and marsh stag's-wort. And amphibians such as the pond frog and moor frog. The forests are home to mammals, such as the polecat and roe deer, and birds such as the green woodpecker and buzzard.
Nice anecdote The fens were drained, except for one: the Lokker. People sailed and swam there, mixed. And afterwards you could have a drink on the terrace. In short, people had fun. This was a thorn in the side of the pastor of Sprundel, and that is why the Bijloop was dug through this gigantic fen in 1938, causing it to drain.
Birds The following bird species can be seen here: Buzzard, Hawk, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Black Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Crested Tit, Finch, Jay, Goldcrest, Mallard, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Mute Swan.
Walking and cycling De Pannenhoef is a very varied area, with many walking routes and extensive cycling opportunities. The characteristic Black Barn is located in the middle of the estate and is a nice place to chat or rest. On a nice day in the summer you can also get an ice cream here. There are beautiful views from the bird watching hut and bird screen. They are indicated on the maps in the nature reserve.
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