Exuberant purple
The heather flowers from July until the end of September. The hilltops offer views of the sprawling fields and woods. Discover how touching these views really are. Don’t wait too long; the intense colour starts to fade from the middle of September.
Grazers and buzzers
Sheep eat and eat and then eat some more. They don’t eat the heather, but the grass and small trees dotted throughout the heathland. If they didn’t, the heather would vanish in no time, and the cherished black grouse with it. The same goes for the fox, wild boar and the shimmering blue dung beetle who have their habitat here. The flowering heather is alive with the buzz of insects. Bees fly to and fro. Don’t let them stop you: they are here for the heather, not for you
Hissers
Do be careful: heathland is a perfect sunbathing spot for reptiles, who love to stretch out and enjoy the rays. Lizards and snakes, for instance. Just like the grass snake, the smooth snake is harmless. Adders can be recognised by the zigzag stripe on their backs. If they hiss, they are warning you not to come too close. Adders are excellent nature conservationists, because as long as you stay on the paths and don’t disturb them, everything is fine.
Proud forest rangers have selected the most splendid routes through the flowering fields of heather. Go and visit today! Don’t forget to take photos to share your experience with everyone. #Sallandse Heuvelrug.
Tip:
Plan your visit for later in the afternoon. The sun will be lower and cast a soft glow on the beauty all around you. The juniper shrubs with their irregular shapes cast longer shadows and... there is more chance of spotting animals.
