Westerwold nature
When you think of Groningen, you quickly think of vast fields, clay and a distant horizon. But things are different in Westerwolde. No straight lines here, but winding roads, meandering streams and undulating landscapes. No distant enders, but intimate patches of heathland, forest and arable land. Few areas in the Netherlands are so richly endowed with surprising landscapes, ancient forests, nature reserves and beautiful stream valleys.
De Ruiten Aa
Straight through Westerwolde meanders the Ruiten Aa, also called the 'backbone of Westerwolde'. Walking or cycling through the area, you regularly cross the stream. Peering over the water you would hardly believe it, but the Ruiten Aa was straightened in the 1960s for the benefit of agriculture. The old meanders were restored in the 1990s. The river was given back the space it used to have. Little by little, it regained its original bed, with all its twists and turns.
It was immediately clear that the plants and animals liked this 're-watering' too. In spring, nature 'of old' is full of beautiful flowers. While the released Lakenvelders graze happily, a kingfisher searches for fish and a great egret flies over. The stork, which had previously disappeared from Westerwolde, is also back. Could it get any prettier? The result of the restoration work is a truly unique area with beautiful nature. That the Westerwoldse Aa displays so many different habitats over such a relatively short length is unique in the Netherlands. The dal van de Ruiten Aa is therefore not known as one of the most beautiful stream valleys in the Netherlands for nothing.
Ancient forests
On either side of the Ruiten Aa you will find varied forests. Westerwolde has a total of no less than 2,200 hectares of forest and nature reserve. Some date back more than a thousand years. The Ter Apeler forests, for instance, harbour plants like those known from ancient oak forests. Characteristic species include salomon's seal, balm, wood anemone and lily-of-the-valley, which sometimes form entire carpets. In a few places, seven-star and, as the only place in the Netherlands, stone bramble still grow. Both are ice age relics that reach their southern limit here.
Liefstinghsbroek is one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands and the oldest forest in Groningen (the forest was mentioned as early as 1590). Because people have left this forest alone for almost a century, it has a natural character. You come across different types of forest: an oak-beech forest, a trouser forest and an oak-hornbeam forest. In spring, the ground turns white with flowering wood anemones and white wood sorrel. Curious? You can visit the area accompanied by a forest ranger.
And you'll find more forests in Westerwolde. Many more. The Pagebos near Stadskanaal, for example. An area characterised by its many ponds, bridges, canals and decks. Together with the Veenhuizerstukken, the Vledderbos and the Knoesterbos (Drenthe), it forms almost 500 hectares of cycling, walking and riding pleasure. Or visit with the whole family the Blijhamsterbos, a young deciduous forest with playing fields created for recreation by the Forestry Commission. These and many other Westerwold forests, moors, brook valleys, hidden fens and marshes are rich in flora and fauna.
A bright blue flash
The wide variety of forest types provides good habitat for breeding birds such as warbler, nuthatch and middle-spotted woodpecker. The kingfisher is also often seen here these days. A bright blue flash and away it goes again. With here and there bushes and trees surrounded by meandering streams, the Westerwold landscape completely fulfils the requirements of the graceful blue and orange coloured kingfisher.
Traces of the past
Not only the forests, but also buildings in the form of farms and hamlets breathe the atmosphere of the past. If you want to experience that for yourself, you should visit Ter Borg, a hamlet where time has stood still for centuries. You will find four farms and a 17th-century schaapskooi. All around are small fields and wooded banks. Some oaks are up to 200 years old. And so thick you can't embrace them. Another special place is Smeerling, a protected village sight consisting of a number of scattered farmhouses, including from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Enjoying nature
When you come to Westerwolde to enjoy nature, one rule applies: nothing must, everything is allowed. Come by bike, horse or on foot. Along the way you will find - and this has been well thought out - a generous number of benches, picnic tables and parking places for better relaxation. Along the Ruiten Aa you will also find a striking nature viewing hill topped by a work of art by visual artist Adriaan Nette. This Theater van de Natuur is rotatable, so you can look at the landscape around you in different ways.
