Wilgenbos
The former sand mining lake surrounded by forest forms the Wilgenbos in Almere. This spontaneously created forest looks like a primeval forest! You will find various willows, a lush green forest and overgrowth of stinging nettle and cleavers. Stroll along the footpaths, picnic on one of the benches and watch the birds from the viewing hut. Tip: put on your boots and bring your binoculars.
In May and June, you can hear huge singing of the birds early in the morning. Spy on them from the viewing screens. You might even spot a kingfisher! Another animal in the Wilgenbos is the beaver. Look for it swimming in the evening or gnawing on the bark of trees and bushes. Walking through this pure nature forest is a real treat and a special experience.
The Wilgenbos...
The former sand mining lake surrounded by forest forms the Wilgenbos in Almere. This spontaneously created forest looks like a primeval forest! You will find various willows, a lush green forest and overgrowth of stinging nettle and cleavers. Stroll along the footpaths, picnic on one of the benches and watch the birds from the viewing hut. Tip: put on your boots and bring your binoculars.
In May and June, you can hear huge singing of the birds early in the morning. Spy on them from the viewing screens. You might even spot a kingfisher! Another animal in the Wilgenbos is the beaver. Look for it swimming in the evening or gnawing on the bark of trees and bushes. Walking through this pure nature forest is a real treat and a special experience.
The 100-hectare Wilgenbos is enclosed by Lage Vaart, Grote Vaartweg and Oostvaardersdijk. Immediately after being drained in 1968, willows took possession of the area, later followed by plants such as hairy willowherb, nettles and queenwort. These plants exert an enormous attraction on various butterfly species such as the atalanta and the day peacock.
The Wilgenbos is close to visitor centre the Trekvogel, from where a hiking trail has been set out.
Omroep Flevoland made a report on the construction of the floating footpath in the Wilgenbos. Watch the report here.
