Nature in the Westerkwartier
In the Westerkwartier you will find many different landscapes. There are beautiful lakes and forests here, but also a lot of moorland. The landscapes all have their own story. For instance, take a walk through the Doezumermieden and feel the ground tremble under your feet. Do you prefer woods? Then the Westerkwartier is the place to be. At Nanninga's bos, for example.
Middag-Humsterland
Ezinge - Middag-Humsterland, between Groningen city and the Lauwersmeer, is one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Western Europe and has not been awarded the status of National Landscape for nothing. Here you experience space around you and look beyond the horizon. Middag and Humsterland were once (peninsular) islands in the Wadden Sea. This Wadden Sea was much larger then and penetrated far into the Groninger land. Nowadays, you can still see many traces of the past in the landscape, for instance the irregular parcelling of land and the residential mounds (wierden). Curious? Then pay a visit to the area. Cycle, walk or sail around and discover the landscape. Visit Museum Wierdenland and learn even more about the unique National Landscape Middag-Humsterland.
Doezumermieden
Doezum - A walk through the Doezumermieden is an adventure. And not just because you might just run into a roe deer. Just take a few steps on the quaking moor. If you walk on it, you will literally feel the ground tremble beneath your feet. In addition, peat cutters have left their mark on the area. It is teeming with peat holes, which were created by digging up the peat. The holes then filled up with water. Between the peat holes lie the former legakkers. On these strips of land, the peat cutters laid the soggy, waterlogged peat cut into chunks to dry. These are now the paths you walk on. Most routes start at the Blotevoetenhof tea garden and vary in length from 2 to 9 kilometres.
Trimunt and Jilt Dijksheide
Trimunt - Trimunt is a forest with young native oaks and Scots pines. Here you can spot forest birds such as nuthatch, crossbill or great spotted woodpecker. The area has many hiking, cycling and bridle paths. Come and play on the playing field or follow the family footpath suitable for prams and the disabled. Near Trimunt is the Jilt Dijksheide, the only remaining heathland in the region. Here you will find pingoes: round pools dating from the last ice age. Among them live frogs, salamanders and water birds. And with a bit of luck, you will come face to face with a Scottish Highlander or a land goat. This is because these animals help keep the area open.
Lettelberterpetten
Lettelbert - The name Lettelberterpetten refers to capholes in the area. Via a plank path you can literally walk over the peat holes. At the end of the forest, you come to the banks of the Leekstermeer. This is where Veenman watchtower has been built for good bird watching. But this is not the only one. You can also enjoy beautiful views from vogelkijkhut Olde Mart. The area is rich in ducks and, if you are lucky, you might just spot a shoveler, gadwall or smew. And did you know that the otter has also found its niche here? If you prefer to view the area from the water, you can hire a canoe at the water sports centre in Lettelbert and paddle towards the Leekstermeer from this nature reserve.
Marumerlage
Marum - You can also find new nature in the Westerkwartier. The Marumerlage is a good example of this. By reconstructing the stream valley and moving soil, there was an opportunity to construct weirs and fish passages. This created a marsh which, besides being a fantastic nature area, is also a place for water storage. On a walk, you can see lapwings courtship, godwits calling their names and meadow pipits soaring to great heights. A five-kilometre walking route has been laid out to guide you past the most beautiful spots. Bring your binoculars and enjoy.
The North Reed
Kommerzijl - The Noorderriet was constructed in the early 1990s to make the Grijpskerk gas storage facility less visible. Around the gas storage, you walk or cycle on beautifully laid-out paths and over wooden bridges. A little more adventure? Then put on good footwear and head for adventure on the boot path. Thanks to natural management, you will find many plant species, such as the spotted orchid. While you occasionally see the tubes, pipes and light masts of the gas storage site, you walk through beautiful nature. You will see many butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects flying around. Out and about with the kids? Then visit the children's play island. Whiz over the water on the cable car, climb the viewing hill and enjoy the natural play facilities.
Bolmeer and Nanninga's forest
Zevenhuizen - The Bolmeer is a very special little lake. It is a pingo ruin that emerged during an excavation in the early 19th century. The Bolmeer has a special past. It has been the cause of a noble feud. The Coenders family (of Coendersborg) and the noble family of Von Inn und Kniphausen (of Nienoord) both wanted to use the water from the lake for their estates. After it even led to an encounter with cannonballs, eventually the Coenders family used the water. Walk around the lake and enjoy the view. Nearby is Nanninga's Forest. The forest which was used for timber production is now owned by the Groninger Landschap. Thanks to natural management, many animals live in the forest. During your walk, you are bound to be watched by a tawny owl. A little further south than Nanninga's Bos is the Harense bos. You immediately notice that the forest is located on a sand bank; to the east there are height differences of two to three metres. Spruce, pine and larch predominate here.
Dyke landscape
Lauwerszijl - Under the leadership of the monastery of Aduard, water management in the northern part of the Westerkwartier was taken in hand. The monks constructed the first dykes. From the seventeenth century, stap by stap, the Lauwerszee was further reclaimed by building dykes and laterals, also known as sluices. The monks founded lateral villages along the main waters. Now still recognisable in the name of villages like Lauwerszijl, Pieterzijl and Kommerzijl. In 1969, the Lauwerszee was closed off from the Wadden Sea by a dike. Sail your boat on the border river the Lauwers or the Reitdiep to experience the dykes or take a nice bike ride.
Old reed
Boerakker - In reserve the Oude riet you can take beautiful walks. The area lies between Boerakker and Noordwijk, where many different types of birds live and work. There is a watchtower on Roordaweg. From the watchtower, the birds are easy to admire. Which birds will you spot?
