National Park De Groote Peel is investigating whether nature areas in the municipalities of Deurne and Gemert-Bakel can be added to the park. This expansion should have a positive effect on both the national park and the surrounding area.

In Deurne, it concerns areas like Deurnese Peel, Mariapeel, Heitrakse Peel, and the nature area Het Zinkske. In Gemert-Bakel, De Bult, Heidsche Peel, and Stippelberg (including Klotterpeel) are being considered. 

Top Nature in a Top Landscape

The proposed expansion is mainly focused on increasing the cohesion and scale of the area. This offers more opportunities in terms of nature development, landscape, cultural history, recreation, and tourism, but also for the agricultural sector. Ernest de Groot, board member of the Aa en Maas water board and interim chairman of the national park's consultation body, states, 'This is top nature in a top landscape, with strong agriculture between Brainport Eindhoven in the west and Greenport Venlo in the east. The smaller peat areas and heath afforestations are also part of the Peel's story,' according to De Groot. 'Just like the reclamation areas and the characteristic Peel villages.'

Strengthening Identity and Attractiveness

The expansion does not mean that new nature will be created. The existing nature areas already form part of the nature network of the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. The protection of nature also does not change; it is established in the management plans of the involved Natura 2000 areas. The plans focus mainly on strengthening the identity and attractiveness of the area. 'We want to work on a more positive image of the Peel, new opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sustainable earning models for the countryside,' says De Groot.

Unique Raised Bog Landscape

National Park De Groote Peel is a water-rich nature area of approximately 1,400 hectares on the border of Southeast Brabant and Limburg, located within the municipalities of Asten, Nederweert, and Peel en Maas. The park has had national park status since 1993. The landscape is characterized by raised bogs, a rare natural form in the Netherlands. The Peel is known as one of the richest bird areas in the country and is of great ecological value.

More Information

For more information about National Park De Groote Peel, visit the park page on this website.