Groote Peel National Park

Heathland where formerly peat was cut

Ospel - A Palus was a large, dangerous and inaccessible swamp in Roman times. The Groote Peel region emerged as the water between the sand ridges stood still and dead plants left an unstable layer on top behind; Moss grows on the top, but dies at the bottom. In some places the layer of peat is up to six meters thick.

Heathland

Today De Groote Peel is no longer a swamp. In some parts of the National Park the peat has been extracted, but in other parts of the bird-rich area the boggy ground is still virtually impassable.
To keep your feet dry you can walk over 'bat brigdges' and make beautiful walks through the national park.