Nature reserve Terhorsterzand is a lovely nature reserve near Beilen and Spier. You will find forest, heathland, fens and drifting sand here. Juniper grows almost everywhere. Terhorsterzand has a number of sandy paths and it borders Dwingelderveld National Park, so you can take long walks.
In addition to the walking opportunities, you will also find a shallow recreational lake with a sandy beach in the Terhorsterzand nature reserve. The recreational lake is only one meter deep and is therefore ideal with (small) children.
Tip: from mid-August to mid-September the heather is normally in bloom. Because 120 hectares of Terhorsterzand consists of heathland and fens, this is the perfect place in Drenthe to view the flowering heather during this period. Terhorsterzand is a not too large nature reserve near Beilen in Drenthe that borders Dwingelderveld National Park. Before the construction of the A28 in 1970, it was even part of it. The landscape with shifting drifting sand consists of one third of forest, but also has peat pit remnants, juniper scrub, dry and damp heathland and various fens. Due to the great variation in the landscape, the area is of great scientific value, and a lot of research has always been carried out.
The heathland is grazed by sheep and young cattle and is owned by Staatsbosbeheer. In the forest you will find a shallow forest pond with a sandy beach, where you can enjoy recreation (possibly with young children).
In 1942, the German occupiers built a shooting range with two air raid shelters in the Terhorsterzand. Remnants of the shelters are still visible in the landscape.