High Ginkel

Since 1975, Utrechts Landschap has owned part of the Hoge Ginkel estate near Leersum. In the area there are some beautiful snowmelt water valleys, which cause differences in height. These snowy melt water valleys originated in the last ice age so far, the Weichselian (80,000-10,000 years ago). During this period, the soil was permanently frozen. As a result, meltwater could not penetrate the soil, causing snowmelt water valleys to be cut on the slopes. In the forest, the gullies can be recognized as elongated lows.

The Hoge Ginkel is centrally located on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and is one of the quietest forests in the province. The area consists largely of coniferous forests, but gradually the proportion of hardwood is increasing, especially in the undergrowth. A special feature is the Lion's Den, an old sand excavation. This sand hole is partly planted with deciduous and coniferous trees. The unplanted part has developed into a small heathland. The avenues in the Hoge Ginkel generally have American oak and beech as plants.

From owl to hazel worm

The fauna of the Hoge Ginkel is diverse: foxes, hazel worms and sand lizards are permanent residents. Many birds such as hawk, tawny owl, pied flycatcher, collared redstart and various species also breed in the area. Utrechts Landschap is expanding the Hoge Ginkel. For this purpose, small pieces of land in the area are purchased that can be added to the Hoge Ginkel in the future. Furthermore, the management of Utrechts Landschap is aimed at making the forest of the Hoge Ginkel more natural. The original production forest, which consisted of small plots with many paths in between so that the wood could be easily harvested, is gradually being transformed. Paths disappear, creating larger plots in which animals find more peace. In addition, dead wood may remain lying or standing and, of course, no more wood is harvested.

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