Orchids in the nature area 'de Raam'.

This is the nature reserve 'de Raam'. It covers about 2.3 ha and consists of meadows, ponds, and ditches, wood edges, and park and marsh forest. The nature reserve has a rich vegetation and high diversity of plants. It is freely accessible on the paths.

The Raam and the Putten once formed one large pond. In the early 19th century, it became a park of the rectory. The canals were deepened and some were combined into one pond. A century later, the roads were paved with material from the mill nearby that was destroyed during WWI.

In June, you can fully enjoy the striking pink-purple color of the spotted orchid here. Although not particularly rare, this plant species is a characteristic of vulnerable habitats. The origin of the ponds must be sought in former peat extraction sites. The pits that arose as a result were used in the 19th century to rett flax. Retting flax in the countryside was not so rare. The retting could take place in still water in square pits one meter deep. The flax bundles were placed upright and covered with reed mats to prevent them from floating. The activity was not without danger. During retting, the butyric acid bacteria are released, which can cause 'flax fever'.

Jan Rymenams