Leersum field and lakes

The Leersumse Veld with its lakes is located in a natural depression, carved out in the ice age by meltwater in the moraine of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Due to logging and grazing, the soil became impoverished and the area consisted mainly of heathland and sand drifts. In the lowest part, water remained and swamp was created, from which peat was extracted in the eighteenth century. The peat was dried into peat. What remained were three dredged fens. They were bought in 1911 by the Hilversummer M.C. Verloop.

A swimming pool was dug in the first fen and he had channels dug around the fens where the children could canoe. Since 1941, the area has belonged to the Forestry Commission and there is room for nature development.

The Leersum lakes are an ideal breeding area for birds. Therefore, the area in the immediate vicinity of the water is not accessible during the breeding season (15 March – 31 July).

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