Pannenhoef nature reserve - Rijsbergen

Forest, fens and flowery meadows describe the Pannenhoef. But it has not always been this way. The original metre-thick layer of peat was completely excavated over several centuries, between 1400 and 1750.

Most of the peat went in dried form with the Turfvaart to Breda and served as fuel for households and breweries.

The Turfvaart was dug in the 17th century. The length of the canal that ran through the nature reserves Pannenhoef and Vloeiweide past Effen to Breda, where it flowed into the Aa or Weerijs was about 24 kilometres.

On the way back, the peat ships took manure with them to make the excavated area fertile. But this did not work on a large scale so the land left behind developed into heathland. In 1900, the area was reclaimed for agriculture and forestry. Until Brabants Landschap bought the area in 1970 and started restoring its natural value.

Today, the Pannenhoef is a very varied area, with many walking routes and extensive cycling possibilities.