Observation point Grootmeer

The Grootmeer and the Kleinmeer are originally natural weakly buffered peat bogs, which on the map of 1900 were still surrounded by heath. They originated in the period after the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. They are located in an area that is somewhat higher than the surrounding land. Heath bogs are normally filled with rainwater that is retained because the bottom of such a bog is poorly permeable, usually due to a clay or loam layer. However, the Grootmeer was also partially fed by groundwater in the past, leading to the presence of special vegetation.

Thousands of toads, frogs, and salamanders live in the forest on the other side of the road. In spring, they migrate in large numbers to the Grootmeer to breed and then return. When crossing the road, they were often run over in large numbers. In 2009/2010, seven amphibian tunnels were constructed under the Merenweg. The amphibians can now cross by themselves.

What is special about the Grootmeer is that it features vegetation from the riverbank herb alliance with species such as stalked water buttercup and riverbank herb. The Grootmeer has been designated as one of the most important growth sites for this type of vegetation, which is very special not only in the Netherlands but worldwide.

Eddy&Rita