Plateaux-Hageven, Nature area at Pelt, Netherlands.
Plateaux-Hageven is a nature reserve covering roughly 600 hectares with heath, wetlands, forests, and grasslands connected by the Dommel River. These different habitats create the main structure and character of the area.
The area was once farmland that was transformed into a nature reserve in the early 2000s. Major restoration work started in 2004 to recover wetland areas and restore the land to its natural state.
The visitor center hosts regular guided walks and nature study groups focused on local animals and plants. These activities help visitors understand the importance of this landscape to the surrounding communities.
The reserve has five marked walking trails ranging from 1.5 to about 10 kilometers, with one designed for wheelchair users. Wear sturdy footwear, particularly on the wetter paths through the wetland areas.
The reserve straddles the Dutch-Belgian border, allowing cross-border cooperation in nature management and ecological research. This international location makes it a valuable site for shared conservation efforts.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.