Fort De Voorn - Heerewaarden

In Bommelerwaard, between Heerewaarden and Dreumel, is the historic Fort de Voorn, also known as Fort Nassau. This sturdy stronghold was erected in 1588 by order of Prince Maurice, during the turbulent Eighty Years' War. Its purpose was simple: to secure shipping routes from Germany. Once a sturdy fortress on the strategic island of De Voorn, overlooking the mighty Meuse and Waal rivers, now only the vague outlines of the once imposing five-pointed rampart remain.

The Spaniards built their own fort Sint-Andries. As a counterweight, they built Fort De Voorn during the Dutch Revolt. There was fierce fighting between the two forts, as trade throughout the region was at stake.

A fortified village with its own church and school sprang up in the fort. Its destruction by the French in 1673 marked the end of its military significance. Six bastions once stood proudly tall, but now only two on the western side bear witness to its past. Today, it is a quiet nature reserve, with a dwelling house and an old standard orchard.

Since 1999, this 20-hectare area has been carefully managed by Natuurmonumenten, with respect for both nature and history. Annual pruning is minimal to preserve the cultural-historical character, while young cattle keep the vegetation under the trees short. The orchard grows rare fruit varieties such as the Bramley Seedling apple and the Reine Claude Verre plum.

These orchards are not only beautiful but also contribute to the ecology of the area, with old trees providing cavities for birds and the fallen fruit providing a feast for butterflies and mammals. In a diligent collaboration with family business Apple and Pear, Natuurmonumenten even produces a delicious cider from the apples from its own nature reserve.