Molenheide is a Dutch nature reserve that is located between Mill, Wanroij and Wilbertoord and is owned by the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten. It covers an area of 235 ha.
This area was once part of a vast heathland, where even a windmill once stood. From 1920-1939 this area was cultivated and planted with conifers, such as Scots pine, and with American oak. Within this production forest, a very large poultry trial fattening facility was later established with the name Canteclaer.
In 2000 the area was acquired by Natuurmonumenten. The poultry farm was demolished and the nitrogen-enriched top layer was scraped down to the sandy bottom. In this way a plain was created that will be converted back into heathland so that there is more room for heather-bound animal species such as the small or viviparous lizard. As far as flora is concerned, excavated places have included small sundew and swamp wolf claw.
Management is aimed at promoting more variation in the terrain. That is why here and there clearings have been made in the forest, and the trees that fell in the storm of January 2007 were also deliberately left there. Much of the area is grazed all year round with a small herd of Scottish highlanders.
New trails were built and two walks have been plotted through the area. Among other things, a viewing hill has been constructed with the top layer to make the area more interesting for recreational purposes.