Walking route Lettelberterpetten
An adventurous start: the Jaap van Dijk trail
Whether you come by car or are already warmed up by the bike ride, once you have parked your car or bike, you can immediately start the route. Through the swing gate, you walk onto the Jaap van Dijk path, which offers a beautiful view of the potholes and the swamp forest. This provides healthy motivation to explore the route further. Along the way, grazing Scottish highlanders in the grassland greet you and up close, these cattle are even more impressive. They are not only an eye-catcher, but also create a diverse landscape. Besides the highlanders, you also have a chance to spot rare species such as the water shrew, the sedge snail and bitterns, although these are less likely to show themselves.
The 'Forest of Olle Mart' is like a living museum
Via the dyke, you walk around the pethole forest, also known as the 'Bos van Olle Mart'. This name refers to Martje Kuper, the former inhabitant of this area. Until 1964, however, this forest was used as a 'geriefhoutbosje' by the area's residents. They obtained firewood and material for tools from here, among other things. Today, it is a haven for rich animal and plant life. The large amount of dead wood in the forest is an ideal shelter and food source for mushrooms, insects, birds and small mammals like the weasel and pine marten. The canal that was once used for draining peat is covered with crabweed, water lilies and yellow plump in summer. The plants create a colourful spectacle and attract various aquatic animals.
" 'The plants provide a colourful display and attract various aquatic animals' "
Views over farmland and Lake Leekster
If you look closely, you can see watchtower 'De Veenman' from afar. A wooden staircase takes you to the top in no time and you are treated to magnificent views over the farmlands and the Leekstermeer. Armed with binoculars, a true bird paradise reveals itself. From widgeons and shovelers to gooses and geese, this is the place to see them.
For an even better view of the bird species, walk to the bird hide 'Olle Mart'. From the bird hide you have a great view of the adjacent Leekstermeer riparian area and a newly dug lake. Look through your binoculars and see bird species such as the lapwing, redshank, skylark and snipe in spring and summer. There is plenty to see here in winter too. For instance, the area offers a fine spot for kola and barnacle geese. Besides birdwatching, the tower and the hut are also a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
