Since 2003, a special recreation area has been located north of Tilburg-Noord, where people can walk, cycle and ride horses. This Noorderbos was created on the former floodplains that were once used as water purification. This function can still be seen in the dikes and ‘aqueducts’ over which the water was led. Two contrasting forest types were planted in the forest, an oak forest and a mixed park forest with various tree species. The Noorderplas, from which the excavated sand was used for the construction of the tangent, has an important natural function within this area. This is proven, for example, by the fact that breeding grebes and kingfishers have been found there. The Noorderbos forms a direct connection between the Huis ter Heide and De Brand, and valuable fauna and flora from these nature reserves also find a place here. The old plantings in the centre and along surrounding roads contrast with the young plantings and thus provide transitions. In combination with the open water surface, the varied whole is attractive to numerous bird species. The forest is part of the Groene Mal.