Nature reserve PANNENHOEF

The Pannenhoef estate is approximately 650 hectares in size. For centuries the area consisted of heathland and fens. In the beginning of the 15th century, the peat that had formed in the lowest parts was excavated. After the peat was excavated to the sandy bottom, the area was left to its own devices for several centuries. From 1800 onwards, the endless heathlands were gradually cultivated into cultivated land and pine forest. From 1900 to 1940, mining was even faster as part of the provision of work. The area was drained by deepening and widening the Bijloop. Brabants Landschap bought the area in 1970, when only 100 ha of wild land remained. Slowly the area has been transformed into what it is today. The Turfvaart and the Bijloop flow through the area, which in some places are almost next to each other. The Turfvaart was specially dug to transport the peat to Breda.

v. Dongen