From tree to forest: walk Kortenhoeff
From tree to forest walk
To celebrate the Forestry Commission's 125th anniversary, 2024 has been declared the Year of the Forest. Staatsbosbeheer wants to tell the general public more about trees, forests and forest management. They do this in North Brabant with three 'From Tree to Forest' walks, including one in Kortenhoeff, a nature reserve in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Trees and forests amaze us every day. Over the past 125 years, the Forestry Commission has collected many stories. Time to tell those stories in the Year of Forests. And where better to do that than outside in the forest? That is why our foresters have set out a Van Boom tot Bos walk in 28 forests throughout the Netherlands. During this walk, we tell you more about trees, forests and forest management.
Source article: Staatsbosbeheer
Extra info needed
"I don't have to tell anyone what a tree looks like," says Imke van Gisbergen, forester in this area. "But I do notice that few people know why trees are important, what processes take place in and around trees or how many animal species depend on trees. Or why we cut down trees to make the forest more robust and climate-proof. By watching the videos and doing the assignments during the route, walkers in the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide get information in a fun and accessible way."
Wilko Kielman, forest ranger management at the Forestry Commission, agrees on the importance of education. "People read almost daily in the newspaper that nature is doing badly. To preserve vulnerable nature, foresters sometimes have to take drastic measures. Visitors or residents of the area do not always understand why these measures are necessary. That is why we regularly stand in our areas to tell more about our work, like on 8 May here in Kortenhoeff. When visitors understand how nature works, they are extra motivated to do their best to preserve it."
How does it work?
In nature reserve Kortenhoeff near Huijbergen, Staatsbosbeheer has set out such a Van Boom tot Bos walk. You follow the Mouse/Owl route here. Along the way, you come across posts with a QR code. Scan this code with your phone. A forest story or a video message from the forest ranger will appear automatically. The walk starts at the starting point of the route in the Abdijlaan car park and you will find the first QR code.
At your own pace
The great thing about the Van Boom tot Bos walk is that you get to decide entirely when and how you do it. You can walk the route all at once or in stages. For example, you can stop halfway and pick up the walk again on your next visit. You can also come back with family, friends or your family. Behind almost all QR codes is a small and fun assignment for children (and adults). No extra material is needed for these assignments, you will find it in the forest.