Pannenhoef

Pannenhoef is a nature reserve of approximately 706 hectares located between Zundert, Etten-Leur and Rijsbergen in the province of North Brabant and is owned by the Brabant Landscape Foundation. In the area, which largely consists of mixed forest, there are eleven fens and some heath remnants with an important natural value. Among other things, bonebreak and spotted orchid grow in the area. Numerous birds breed here, including green woodpecker and buzzard.

Peat was extracted in this area from the 14th to the 17th century. When the peat bog had disappeared, swampy heathland arose here. From 1800 onwards, small-scale reclamation started from the centre of this area, Arendsberg. This is how forest and cultural area came into being. From 1900-1940 larger-scale mining activity took place. As part of the provision of employment, the lower parts were raised, for which sand from the higher parts was used, such as the Lokkerberg.

Wim Blankers