De Brand, Nature reserve in Tilburg, Netherlands
De Brand is a nature reserve near Tilburg featuring wet grasslands and coppice woodlands crossed by the Zandleij river. The area combines existing natural habitats with newer sections developed for wildlife protection and management.
Archaeological discoveries reveal Iron Age and Roman settlements in the area, showing long-term human occupation. The site later became valued for fuel resources, particularly turf extraction.
The name comes from historical fuel-gathering practices that have been documented since the 19th century. You can observe today how the landscape reflects this past use of resources.
The reserve is accessible on foot and suitable for walking and birdwatching year-round. Portions of the ground can become marshy during wet weather, so appropriate footwear is advisable.
The reserve shelters one of the few tree frog populations in North Brabant. The wetlands also support medicinal leeches and crested newts, making it a critical habitat for these species.
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