Route 14: Liefstinghsbroek Vlagtwedde

Vlagtwedde is the starting and finishing point of many beautiful walks over ash trees, along stream valleys and through forests. Paved cycle paths, shell paths, mowing paths and unpaved roads guarantee car-free and thus salutary tranquillity. The Ruiten Aa here has one of the
most natural stretches.

The two forests you will visit on this walk, the Metbroekbos near Smeerling and the Liefstinghsbroek near Weende, are two remnants of the primeval forests of Westerwolde. They are wet forests with unusual plants and animals and trees more than 200 years old. Natuurmonumenten acquired these forests through a
bequest from Messrs Schönfeld and Zandstra, who bought these areas at the beginning of this century to save them from clear-cutting.

Next to the Metbroek forest is the Eemboerveld (point 6) where Natuurmonumenten has enlisted a herd of Lakenvelders (an old Dutch breed of cattle). Selective grazing creates alder forest on the higher parts and a varied grassland with orchids and rattlesnakes develops on the lower parts.

The Thick Oak Road (point 9) takes its name from a giant oak tree with a trunk circumference of over four metres, which stood in a farmer's garden for several centuries.

You then walk along the Liefstinghsbroek (along the Rondweg; at point 10) one of the most complete damp deciduous forests in the Northern Netherlands. To give the fauna complete peace and quiet, the forest is only accessible when accompanied by staff from Natuurmonumenten. The main threats to the forest are airborne acidification and desiccation due to the deep drainage of adjacent agricultural land.

Bringing part of the Ellersinghuizerveld under nature management will allow the groundwater in the forest to remain higher. Part of the nature area will be excavated to restore heathland and sparse grassland. At the lowest point, part of the fen will be restored to its original state (situation in 1850). This will benefit plants such as sundew, pilfern and pondweed. The wooded bank will be largely removed to enhance the openness of the area. Planting trees at the edge of Liefstinghsbroek will create a gradual transition to the ancient old-growth forest. The wooded banks along the higher ash land will be restored. This will create a cultural landscape reminiscent of one from the early 19th century.

By creating connecting zones, Natuurmonumenten wants to ensure that the animals that naturally live in this area no longer live on isolated islands, but can move around from one area to another. Even reintroduction of the grass snake in this area is among the possibilities.

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This is a route of the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation, sponsored by Drinkshop Bij Thijs. Dr P. Rinsemastraat 2a, 9541 AL Vlagtwedde, tel 0599-313352, info@bijthijs.com, www.bijthijs.com