Dwingelderveld is one of the about twenty national parks in the Netherlands and is the largest European wet heathland area. The national park - 3.700 hectares - has more than sixty shallow lakes and moors featuring a rich and unique flora and fauna. The gently rolling moors are habitat of many kinds of species of butterflies and birds. The northern part has been wooded with pine forests and juniper shrubs since the mid 19th century.

Dwingelderveld is managed the Dutch forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer) and the private Dutch society for nature conservation Natuurmonumenten.

The main picture shows the recently built lookout tower nearby the Benderse sheepfold, offering unique views over the vast heathlands (PiP) of the national park. This sheepfold houses a flock of the famous ‘Drenthe heath sheep’.

See for more pictures of Dwingelderveld: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/46551468