Public walk Stiphoutse forests

Molenheide and Stiphoutse Woods Walk with IVN Laarbeek.

IVN Laarbeek is organizing a public walk through the Stiphoutse Woods, where the borders of Laarbeek, Helmond-Stiphout, and Nuenen meet. This is a walk of approximately 8 km. It's winter, after all, and the blood must keep flowing. The walk starts at the intersection of Nachtegaallaan and Fazantlaan in Lieshout and lasts approximately two hours.

The landscape of the Molenheide and Stiphoutse Woods was formed during and shortly after the last ice age. Persistent westerly winds deposited a thick layer of cover sand, formed drifting dunes, and hollowed out depressions. These depressions filled with rainwater and became the fens within the forest. A heathland developed, which over time became increasingly wooded. In the past, it was primarily a production forest for conifers. Several exotic conifer species have also been planted.
In recent years, the forest has acquired a more natural appearance through the planting of native trees and shrubs. Remarkably, the old fens, such as Witven, Wasven, Kromven, Kamerven, and Schapengracht, are still present. Each fen has its own characteristic appearance. There are also meltwater channels from the last ice age. Here, the fen water is in contact with calcareous water from the subsurface, allowing unique plant species to flourish. Led by several experienced IVN guides, this is sure to be a fascinating walk in this beautiful border region.
More information can be found on the IVN website and the IVN Laarbeek Facebook page.