Nature Reserve De Borkeld

De Borkeld is composed of young and old forests, expansive heathlands, loam pits, fields, grasslands and even, in some small areas, raised bogs. The forests have been planted between 1920 and 1940. They include the largest juniper berry field in the Netherlands. The terrain is undulating: the highest peak, the Friezenberg, reaches 40 meters. The lowest point lies at 13 meters below NAP (Amsterdam gauge). On the edge of this nature area, close to De Lindenberg, you'll find an information center by IVN (the Dutch national institute for nature education). The Forestry Commission created fantastic hiking routes marked by small poles. The bicycle junction routes also lead through this unique area.

The Borkeld is also of great archaeological value. Research has shown that the area was inhabited by hunter/gatherers as early as 12,000 years ago.
Various indications of this have been left behind, including stone axes, hide scrapers and a range of other tools.

The grave mounds and settlements that have been discovered date from prehistory, they are between 4,000 and 6,000 years old. In 1997, the Ministry of Archaeological Soil Research restored around ten grave mounds, bringing them back to their original state.

The loam pits in the area originated as a result of loam digging for the purpose of making bricks. They are five or more meters deep, and because of these remarkable circumstances, unique plants have started to grow here. Even in the 18th century, a 'tilerie' was operating here, the products of which were in high demand in Twente.