The Maasheggen

The 'Maasheggen landscape' consists of dense hawthorn hedges that divide the grass-green floodplains into smaller meadows. They were planted as property boundaries and to contain livestock. Furthermore, the wood was used for making tools (including hammer handles), as fuel for the fireplace, and as building material. Due to the 'invention' of barbed wire and the mechanization of agriculture, many hedges have disappeared. They were seen as obstacles that reduce grass yield and are expensive to maintain. Meanwhile, restoration of the hedges has begun from a landscape perspective. For birds such as the yellowhammer, song thrush, long-tailed tit, blackbird, and winter wren, the hedges are a true paradise, especially in winter. They provide shelter and food, as the hawthorns hold their fruits until winter. Many migratory birds visit the Maasheggen on their route to the 'sunny south'. For the badgers that also feel at home here, paths (tunnels) have been created in the hedges, so they are not hindered in their search for earthworms and other delicacies. During the day, badgers sleep in their burrows. So you won't encounter them quickly during your walk.

exw