Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland

In the southern part of the Amsterdamse Bos park, nature is allowed more freedom to grow and there is a deliberate choice for less land management. This creates an even richer biodiversity. Gradually, the forest will grow dense and there will only be glades for cattle grazing. The natural forest consists mainly of ash and maple trees and Scottish highland cattle wander through the forest all year long. The rugged cattle are more than just 4-legged mowers. They eat grass, as well as leaves and even the bark from trees. Their grazing creates a variation of forest and scrub with thistles. Butterflies like the meadow brown and the small heath really love this vegetation.

• The Hooglanderwandeling or Hooglander Walk (purple) gives a good impression of the rugged natural forest. Walk along easily accessible paths around the Land van Bosse, named after the farmer who once grazed his cows here. If you include the Schinkelbos park, the route is 5.8 km. This rugged piece of nature is a paradise for birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Keep in mind that the paths are often quite damp here and dogs are not allowed.
• The Schinkelpolderroute (orange) also passes through the Schinkelbos. The rugged route gives a good idea of the horticulture near Aalsmeer and the new districts of the Legmeer. You will walk past the De Zwarte Ruiter mill and the striking tower of the St. Urbanus Church in Bovenkerk. If you're lucky, you will see not only the highland cattle but also the shy Exmoor ponies. Be aware of the boggy ground. Dogs are not allowed in the Schinkelbos park.