UNESCO biosphere area Maasheggen

This nature reserve has beautiful hawthorn and blackthorn hedges. The hedges in the Maasheggen area are hundreds of years old. Walk along the sandy paths between fields full of flowers and enjoy beautiful bits of nature.

The Maasheggen is also a paradise for birds, which also makes it suitable for birdwatchers. Badgers also feel at home here in their setts.

The Maasheggen landscape exudes an atmosphere of history. Every tree, every shrub, every meadow tells its centuries-old history. It seems as if time has stood still here for hundreds of years. Trees and shrubs here bear the traces of centuries-long culture and can be considered living monuments. Every year, the Dutch Maasheggen weaving championship is organized in the Maasheggen area.

Enjoy the nature of the Maasheggen by walking or cycling. See here the tips.

UNESCO biosphere status

Recently, the Maasheggen has been designated as a biosphere area. A first for the Netherlands! Biosphere areas are regions with a special status where humans and nature come together.

The Maasheggen is the oldest cultural landscape in the Netherlands. Characteristically, the landscape is divided into many small agricultural plots separated by hawthorn hedges. With this status designation, the Maasheggen has become part of a worldwide network of more than 650 UNESCO biosphere areas. The Maasheggen is the only biosphere area in the Netherlands.