Nijrees Forest

Located in Overijssel, south of Almelo lies the approximately 1,000-hectare Nijreesbos. This forest is owned by Count van Rechteren Limpurg. Because the city has grown considerably, the forest lies close to residential areas. Nevertheless, the forest has managed to retain its character and has not come to resemble a city park.

A large part of the forest is actual agricultural grassland. This is not species-rich but does provide food for roe deer or open spaces for other species. It also gives the area a somewhat more open character. Along the Deldenstraat, avenue planting can still be found in which the cultural history is still visible.

The forests in the Nijreesbos consist mainly of deciduous woodland; it falls into the vegetation class of dry winter oak–beech forest. Characteristic for this class are sweet chestnut, downy birch, rowan, holly, wild honeysuckle and mountain elder. In addition, yew, wild cherry laurel and pink winter purslane can be found. The vegetation shows that the area is enriched in some locations by agricultural practices.

Together with the approximately 24 roe deer, there are other mammals living in the forest. For example, the forest has 5 species of bats: dwarf bat, water bat, late-flyer, red bat and the big-eared bat. Throughout the Netherlands 21 species of bats occur, so almost a quarter of them can be found in this forest. If you walk along the stream you can see the blue flash of the kingfisher. The green and black woodpeckers can also be found.