A natural area full of variety
Nature reserve Westelijke Langstraat is located on the 'Naad van Brabant', a transitional zone between the sandy and clay soils of Brabant. The area consists of diverse and especially wet landscapes, as groundwater flows out through 'the Naad'. These mineral-rich waters provide a unique flora and fauna. Special plants grow here, which in turn attract special animals.
Traces of the past
On a walk in De Westelijke Langstraat, you will discover a typical Dutch slagen landscape formed by farmers in the Middle Ages. They laid out long, narrow strips of land with ditches in between for agriculture. Along these ditches the farmers planted alders to strengthen the banks. There was plenty of work in the area: peat extraction, growing hay and oak bark for the tanneries of the shoe industry, etc. All this has left traces in the landscape. Thanks to information boards in the area you can learn more about this.
On an adventure with Expedition Langstraat
Walking with children in De Westelijke Langstraat becomes an exciting adventure with Expeditie Langstraat.
The booklet contains one walking route of 3.5 kilometers. Sounds simple, but ... you can walk the route three times without it getting boring. Each time you will discover something different because there are three themes: grass, water and craft. Each theme has its own color, so you can clearly see which games and tasks to do when.
The colorful landscape, historic crafts and aquatic life come together during the route. And you know what the best part is? Getting dirty is allowed!
Choose the theme you fancy, tighten your shoelaces and discover what nature has hidden. Ready? Hike away!
View the route
Nature Restoration
Like many other natural areas, the Westelijke Langstraat is suffering from desiccation and nitrogen pollution. To counteract this, the province of North Brabant, Brabantse Delta Water Board, Staatsbosbeheer and the municipality of Waalwijk are working together on nature restoration. By raising the water level and creating new nature, the area will retain its unique character. This restoration will also bring life back into the area, from unusual plants and grasses to animals such as foxes, deer, and birds like the kingfisher, tree falcon and bluethroat.
Photos of nature reserve Westelijke Langstraat
Highlights of the Western Longstreet
- Walk the Boot Trail: Follow the markings and walk this beautiful route of Staatsbosbeheer. Don't forget your boots!
- Bird Watching Lodge The Dullaard: Enjoy panoramic views and spot various birds, such as the kingfisher, tree falcon and buzzard.
- Duck Decoy Den Dulver: Learn more about the role of duck decoys in nature management and biodiversity conservation.
- Fish Pumping Station: Marvel at the pumping stations and fish elevators to enable fish migration.
- Information boards and games: Along the way, learn about the area's unique nature and history.
- Flora and fauna: Discover the rich biodiversity.
Western Langstraat Nature Reserve
Practical information
The Westelijke Langstraat in Sprang-Capelle is perfectly accessible and is close to the Efteling and the cozy center of Waalwijk. For the route you can use the extensive junction network in the region or simply follow the signage for 'Het Laarzenpad'. The car can be parked at Pleisterplaats Winterdijk(Winterdijk 3, 5161 PH Sprang-Capelle) or, if there is space, you can park in one of the parking spots in the verge on the Spoorbaanweg in Sprang-Capelle.
So put on your walking shoes (or better yet your boots) and discover Natuurgebied Westelijke Langstraat: a beautiful piece of North Brabant where nature and history go hand in hand!
