The Dellen

The Dellen, together with the Meerssenerbroek, form a varied and fairly accessible nature reserve in the Dutch province of Limburg. The nature reserve, spanning 92 hectares, is located along the banks of the Geul, at Dellenweg, one kilometer southeast of Meerssen. This area of about 70 hectares mainly consists of an elevated plateau with forests on acidic and nutrient-poor soils. The Dellen were only forested relatively late. The highest part is still used by the military as a training ground. In the 1960s, two shooting ranges were even set up here. This high area was still covered with heather at the beginning of the 20th century, which was quite unusual in South Limburg. Today, it is planted with oaks, birches, beeches, and maples. The shrub layer mainly consists of blackberries, and the herb layer includes species such as sorrel and Solomon's seal. In the grubbs, various special fern species and the rare witch's herb grow in this area. It is particularly these places where the rich mammal fauna can be found. In addition to common species such as roe deer and foxes, special species like the badger, the rare stone marten, the hazel dormouse, and the acorn mouse live here.

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