During our second visit to the Oisterwijk forests and fens (Oisterwijkse bossen en vennen) - again on a grey, gloomy day - we made a walk along the so-called Kolkvenroute (about 3.5 km's). This nature reserve is one of the Netherlands’ most unique nature reserves with 80 fens in a stunning green expanse.

Unlike many other fens, the formation of Kolkven is not created by the action of wind, but by melting water of a former river. Kolkven (main image) is a lot deeper than the others, which makes it suitable for fishing. The fen is rented by a local angling club.

On our route we passed three smaller fens, including the Brandven (PiP’s). This fen (“Fire Fen”) got its name because in the past its water was used as firewater.

Nowadays most of the nature reserve is owned and managed by Natuurmonumenten, a Dutch society for protecting nature reserves.

(for more pictures of the area see: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/46395468/in/album/537905 )