IVN Nature Walk Liesbos

Already in 1268, there was mention of the ‘bossce of Lies’. During the Eighty Years' War, but also in later conflicts, many trees were felled because timber was needed for, among other things, the construction of the fleet. Even today, this area supplies oak wood that is considered one of the best sawmill woods in the Netherlands. 

However, current management is much more focused on nature and less on production. Unlike the Mastbos, the Liesbos is situated on a wet, nutrient-rich, clay-rich soil, which has always given it a high natural value. The sandy edges of the forest are somewhat higher than the trough-like basin in the heart of the forest area. In the middle section, we mainly find deciduous trees, particularly oak and beech; in the higher areas, conifers can be found. 

Characteristic of the Liesbos are the monumental avenues, which were laid out in the seventeenth century for the aristocratic owners’ hunting. The wide avenues allowed the hunting parties to move comfortably and quickly through the forest. The main prey birds were the herons, which nested there even then. Nowadays, the herons have no fear of the 25 to 30 inhabited nests. The breeding season starts in February, so perhaps you will see how these birds, with their long legs and necks, court each other. 

Registration is possible up to the day of the walk. After registering, you will receive information about the departure point. More information and the registration form can be found on the IVN Mark & Donge website under Activities.