Nature reserves
Discover the tranquillity of the Cartierheide
From cosy Eersel, you can easily reach the beautiful nature reserve the Cartierheide, a jewel in De Kempen. In the heather's flowering period, the Cartierheide turns into a colourful purple landscape
Cartierheide
Discover this wild moorland landscape, where sheep shepherds and keuter farmers set the tone for a long time. Hawkers walked along the sandy paths with their baskets of merchandise on their backs, the so-called teutes. It is an area full of history, where Napoleon left his mark. Did you know that the woods were the territory of smugglers? In August, the heather turns a beautiful bright purple when everything is in bloom.
Cartierheide is crossed by the idyllic Dalems Stroompje. You will find wet heathland areas, birch brook, gale scrub and many other flowers, plants and woods. Round-leaved sundew and Bell's gentian grow in the area. Reptiles such as Slippery Snake, viviparous lizard, Heath Frog and Hazelworm live here. Do you encounter them? Don't worry, they are absolutely non-toxic!
'If you are very quiet, the animals might show themselves. Walks have been set out through the Cartierheide area, and a highly recommended walk is at dusk, when you have the greatest chance of meeting deer.'
Staatsbosbeheer
Hiking route Cartierheide
This walking route has been plotted along the hiking junction system in Brabant. Walk the route from one numbered node to another. You can walk the route in two directions. At a number of junctions, you will find a panel with a map of the walking route network, so you can always deviate a bit from the route. No more getting lost!
Discover the route
"A beautiful heathland walk on the Cartierheide past fens and along a plank path."
Erik Schram, forester in the Kempen.
Large and small lake
These beautiful moorland fens are located in the Buikheide forest area between Vessem and Wintelre. The fens were created naturally by sand drift. The Grootmeer is one of the largest fens in North Brabant. Thousands of toads, frogs and salamanders live in the woods on the other side of the road. They migrate en masse to the Grootmeer in spring to mate and then return. Tip: Have your camera ready, you will see rare plants and many birds here. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful fens, the beautiful moors or the surrounding forests withthese trails!
Brook valley full of stories
Where De Kleine Beerze flowed straight through the landscape for many years, the stream now meanders as before.
Kleine Beerze stream valley
Vessem is home to the De Kleine Beerze nature reserve: a beautiful landscape of meandering streams, green meadows and quiet footpaths. A great walking area for strolling along the stream and waving reeds. There are footpaths, play areas, a food forest, vegetable garden, beach, swallow wall and a watchtower.
Along the way, you will discover varied nature, characteristic bridges and plenty of birds and other animals. In every season, De Kleine Beerze has its own charm - from fresh spring colours to misty autumn landscapes. A lovely place to completely unwind. The entrance is next to Wilhelminalaan 19a in Vessem.
Start at a nature gate
Start your cycling or walking tour at a Brabant nature gate. This is an ideal starting point for a trip through nature. At a nature gate, you will always find catering facilities, sufficient parking space and information about nature and routes.
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Natuurpoort de Negende Zaeligheyt
Natuurpoort de Negende Zaeligheyt
5571 XJ Bergeijk
Strolling through estates
On these estates, you can enjoy the beautiful green surroundings, take lovely walks and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while.
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Country estate De Panberg
Country estate De Panberg
Landgoed De Panberg is the place to taste farm life, in the middle of the beautiful Brabant Kempen region. Take a walk around the centuries-old estate, discover the secrets of De Panberg 's food forest or follow a bird safari.
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Landgoed Heijbroeck
Landgoed Heijbroeck
About 14 years ago (2026), 30 hectares of Eersel farmland were transformed into an estate, with forests, ponds, grasslands, lanes and footpaths created in the farm landscape on the banks of the Run in Eersel. Thus, a completely new landscape of almost 30 hectares with varied nature was created.
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The Zandhoef estate
The Zandhoef estate
On former farmland in Eersel, John and Sanne are developing their own 15.5-hectare family estate. Contemporary and informal, fitting in these times and surroundings.
New nature has been created on no less than half of the De Zandhoef estate!