The varied habitats support a diverse wildlife population, including larger mammals like roe deer and foxes. The area is particularly important for insects, with over 100 species of wild bees and numerous butterfly species, including the rare small heath butterfly. Birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels hunt over the open dunes, while woodpeckers and owls inhabit the forested areas. Reptiles like the sand lizard and smooth snake find ideal conditions in the warm, sandy environment. The park also serves as a crucial stepping stone in ecological corridors connecting larger nature areas.
The park's vegetation shows distinct zonation patterns, from bare sand to pioneer communities and mature forests. Hardy grasses like marram grass and sheep's fescue stabilize dune edges, while Scots pine forests dominate protected areas. Rare species include sand sedge and early hair-grass, adapted to the extreme conditions. The transition zones between forest and open sand host diverse plant communities including lichens, mosses, and heather. Several endangered plant species find refuge here, making it a significant site for botanical conservation in the Netherlands.
The landscape consists of inland drift sands formed during the last ice age, when wind deposited fine sand particles from dried-up riverbeds. The area features active drift sands, one of the largest such areas in Western Europe, covering approximately 30 square kilometers. The dunes reach heights of up to 24 meters and continue to shift with wind patterns, though at a slower rate than historically. The soil composition is primarily fine quartz sand with minimal organic material, creating challenging conditions for plant life but supporting unique geological processes.
Known as the 'Brabant Sahara,' this unique drift sand area formed during the Middle Ages when intensive sheep grazing and logging stripped the original forest cover, exposing the underlying sand. Local farmers' attempts to prevent sand from overwhelming their fields by planting trees led to the current landscape mosaic. The area gained national park status in 2002, but its cultural history dates back centuries, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and medieval trade routes. During World War II, the area served as a hiding place for resistance fighters, adding another layer to its rich historical significance.
The park's most striking feature is its desert-like landscape of shifting sands, unique in Western Europe. The 'Roestelberg' viewpoint offers panoramic views across the dunes, while the historic 'White Lake' (Het Witte Meer) provides a peaceful oasis. A network of marked hiking and cycling trails traverses the park, including the popular 'Dune Express' route. The visitor center at Oisterwijk offers interactive exhibits about the park's ecology and history. The area's designation as a Dark Sky Park makes it an excellent location for stargazing, with minimal light pollution affecting nighttime views.
De Loonse en Drunense Duinen experiences a temperate maritime climate typical of the Netherlands, with mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from 2°C in winter to 17°C in summer. The area receives approximately 800mm of annual rainfall, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The unique microclimate of the dunes creates more extreme temperature variations than surrounding areas, with sand surfaces heating up significantly during summer days and cooling rapidly at night. Wind plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape and can make conditions feel cooler than the actual temperature.
The Netherlands
51.6500°, 5.1330°
2002
35
Known as the 'Brabant Sahara', this park features unique inland sand dunes surrounded by forests. The area contains one of the largest sand drift areas in western Europe. It offers extensive hiking and cycling opportunities through its varied landscape.