The Bunt, Nijkerk

On the Slichtenhorst estate there is a small but beautiful nature reserve: De Bunt. In this so-called spring area, the groundwater rises naturally. Swamp forests alternate with wet heathland, fields and meadows. The name Bunt, or Buntlanden, was previously used for poor soils that were unusable for agriculture. Tough grass species grew there, such as the bunt grass. The high water level made the soil so poor and wet that it was only suitable for coppicing. Rare plants and animals on the damp heath On the damp heath you will find the small sundew, a perennial, carnivorous plant that is on the red list. From the ponds and ditches you can hear the call of the green frog, a species that is becoming increasingly rare in the Netherlands. From mid-May, numerous dragonflies fly here. You will see cotton grass, a grass species with characteristic white fluff balls. Sedge and peat moss grow along the water. The heath is grazed by a herd of shy sheep. Swamp forests The image of the swamp forests around the heath is timeless. In the spring, the water violet blooms here, which means that the quality of the (seepage) water is excellent. There are plenty of birds. The great spotted woodpecker and the buzzard are permanent residents. The water rail, which makes itself heard with a screeching sound, but is rarely seen, has also been observed here. At dusk, even in broad daylight, you have a good chance of encountering deer here.