The Buurserzand contains some of the oldest heathland remnants in the Netherlands, dating back centuries of traditional sheep grazing.
The landscape features 'esdorpenlandschap,' a historical Dutch agricultural pattern characterized by open fields surrounding a village.
The region contains distinctive geological formations created by glacial pushes during the penultimate ice age.
The moorland area is a critical habitat for the rare moor frog, known for the males turning bright blue during the mating season.
Natuurmonumenten utilizes traditional grazing herds of Drenthe Heath sheep to prevent the heathland from turning into forest.
De Wakel serves as the primary visitor information point for the Buurserzand, a sprawling 700-hectare nature reserve managed by Natuurmonumenten. The location acts as a gateway to the area's diverse landscape, characterized by ancient heathlands, fens, and small-scale woodland. Visitors can access a network of marked hiking trails that traverse the transition zones between dry sand ridges and wet moorland depressions. The facility provides educational displays regarding the geological history of the region, including the influence of the Saalian glaciation. It functions as a starting point for exploring the unique flora of the Twente region, including rare orchids and sundew plants. The site is situated within a protected landscape where traditional agrarian practices were historically used to maintain the open heath character. De Wakel offers information on the local conservation efforts intended to protect the endangered moor frog and various heath-dwelling butterfly species.
The elevated viewing points overlooking the purple heather fields during the 'golden hour' before sunset.
Bring waterproof footwear if you plan to explore the lower-lying moor paths after recent rainfall.
Pick up a paper map at the information point, as mobile signal can be unreliable in the deeper sections of the reserve.
Carry binoculars to spot birds of prey often found circling the open heath areas.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter in one visit, as the reserve is extensive and lacks continuous shade.
The visitor center may have reduced staffing or limited facility access during winter months.
Keep dogs on a leash at all times to protect ground-nesting birds; stay strictly on marked paths.
