De Mortelen, Nature reserve in North Brabant, Netherlands.
De Mortelen is a nature reserve in North Brabant with forests, meadows, hedgerows, and streams creating diverse habitats throughout the area. These varied environments support a wide range of plants and animals.
The area was transferred in 1303 by Duke Jan II of Brabant to Park Abbey in Leuven, starting centuries of agricultural use. This long history of human management shaped the landscape structure we see today.
The landscape shows traditional field patterns with wild strips between them, created by farming methods used over centuries. This mix of managed and untamed land still shapes how the place looks today.
Two main access points offer entry to the reserve: Hoeve 1827 and De Vrolijke Jager, both located on Oude Grintweg for convenient arrival. Walking trails depart from these points and allow you to explore the grounds at your own pace.
The name refers to the soft, tender ground of this region, where rare plants like oneberry and bird's-nest orchid grow in hidden corners. These unusual species make the area specially interesting for nature watchers.
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