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Walk through time and get carried away by the stories of the bog!
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"Sleep, baby, sleep, out there walks a sheep..." The song that every child grows up with makes the sheep one of the most beloved animals. When people think of sheep, they imagine flocks. Until the last century, sheep herds were a common sight on the moors of Haaksbergen, Honesch, and Buurse, playing a vital role in enriching the soil.
The Haaksbergerveen with an area of about 590 hectares played an important role in this. A rich and exciting history dating back to many centuries ago. And today still one of the most beautiful peat areas in the Netherlands. High moor and wet heath, as in the Haaksbergerveen, have become rare.
Horstervennehoes
The Horstervennehoes is the home of the herd is the Gate to the Haaksbergerveen, where the grazers have their working area. They do this by order of Staatbosbeheer to keep the peat in good condition. Before this modern sheep pen could be realized, a long road had to be traveled. Since 2019, therefore, the beautiful visitor center can be found back here. And you can visit the Sheepfold, with each year the successful lambing day. Where you can adopt your own lamb!
Even more history
Besides its natural history, the Haaksbergerveen also has a human history dating back centuries. Inhabitants of the moor have left their mark on the area, and their stories shed fascinating light on daily life, challenges and special events that took place in this remote environment. From those who worked in peat extraction to those who lived along the frontier and those involved in smuggling activities, the stories of the residents offer a unique insight into life in the bog.
Unfortunately, the Haaksbergerveen has also had to deal with devastating fires that reduced large parts of the area to ashes. These fires have had a lasting impact on the nature and flora and fauna of the moor. Despite this tragedy, the peat has recovered and remains an intriguing and resilient area.
Peat Stories
The peat stories are told in a QR code route that starts at the Sheepfold Visitor Center. The route is about 12 kilometers long and takes you through the peat to all kinds of special places that have played a role in its history.
All the stories from the booklet
Curious about more stories about the Haaksbergen herd and the Haaksbergerveen? Then buy the booklet: In the moor there walks a sheep And find out all about the Sheep Flock and much more!
