Molenplas – Roaming through nature

Nature area Molenplas
Bilt 1
6107 BM
Stevensweert
Cormorant on a gravel bank in the Molenplas with views over the calm water and the wide landscape with the Hompesche Molen in the background
Tree monument at the Molenplas with old tree trunks rising above the greenery in an open natural area
Konik horses at the Molenplas moving through grassland with trees and shrubs in the surroundings
Stepping stones at the Molenplas across flowing water with sunlight filtering through the trees and views of the green banks
Galloway cattle at the Molenplas among shrubs and flowering plants in a rugged natural landscape

Area of natural beauty

Molenplas is a lake within the Maasplassen area, created in 2008 after the last traditional gravel extraction. Since then, nature has been given space to develop freely. You can see this in the landscape, where water, small islands and greenery alternate.

What will you encounter here?

Around the Molenplas, you walk past viewpoints, a bird island and stepping stones across flowing water. If you follow the Molenplas loop, you pass several spots where you can pause and take in your surroundings. In this area, you choose your own path, as it is a roaming nature area. You are free to walk through the landscape.

Nature in motion

The river Maas influences the area and sometimes determines where you can go. At higher water levels, parts of the area may flood, so sturdy and waterproof shoes are recommended. Along the way, you may encounter Galloway cattle and Konik horses, which help keep the landscape open. Keep your distance and do not cross the herds, especially when there are young animals. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Beavers also leave their marks here. Especially in winter, gnawing and dragging traces are clearly visible along the water. Through their activity, beavers create changes in the landscape that benefit many other plants and animals.

Traces from the past

At several locations, you will find tree circles with centuries-old trunks. From the Hompesche Molen, you can already see the first tree monument. The trunks were long buried under Maas gravel and were brought back to the surface during extraction. The path along this monument is easily accessible and suitable for strollers and people with reduced mobility.

Nearby

The distances mentioned below are the distances from the location above.

 
7,12km
Places of interest