Estate and Nature
Landgoed ISVW’s unique location contributes to the success of our organisation. In the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug’s natural surroundings, on the beautiful Leusderheide heathland of Landgoed den Treek-Henschoten, this location offers not only an inspiring environment but also the opportunity to actively contribute to nature conservation. Here you can read how we manage the estate and how you can adopt a piece of nature, such as a birdhouse or a tree.
Our technical team works every day to maintain the varied landscape of deciduous and coniferous forests, heathlands, pools and sand drifts. Good forest management is essential for preserving biodiversity, maintaining the health of the forest and enabling our guests to enjoy it recreationally.
Nature management and maintenance
Important aspects of our management include:
- Preserving ecological diversity Maintaining a mix of tree species and ages creates a robust forest that is better able to withstand diseases, pests and extreme weather conditions. Old and dead trees are often left lying as habitats for birds, insects and fungi.
- Water and soil managementRegulating groundwater and restoring wetlands helps preserve heathland, ponds and damp woodland edges, contributing to a resilient ecosystem and preventing desiccation.
- Sustainable timber harvestingPeriodic, targeted felling encourages new growth and removes diseased or weak trees. The wood is sustainably reused, for example in construction or as biomass.
- Managing recreationTrails, routes and information points enable visitors to enjoy nature without disturbing it. This keeps recreation and nature restoration in balance.
- Encouraging natural processesForest management allows natural processes such as regeneration, predation and natural selection to take place, helping the forest remain sustainable and resilient.
Flora and fauna
Landgoed ISVW is located on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, one of the Netherlands’ most species-rich natural areas. Expansive forests, heathlands, shifting sands and estates provide a habitat for roe deer, foxes, badgers and pine martens, while woodpeckers, owls and birds of prey are abundant. Sand lizards, slow worms and countless insects—including butterflies and wild bees—live in the quieter areas. The flora is at least as diverse: ancient oak and beech forests alternate with purple heath, ferns, mosses and rare plants such as sundew and wood anemones. Every season gives the Heuvelrug a different character, making the estate an inspiring place for nature lovers, walkers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Adopt a tree in the ISVW Friends’ Forest
After the storms of 2018, we partially renewed the woodland on the estate, creating an opportunity to welcome new wildlife and allow trees and shrubs to grow. Many members of the Friends of ISVW have already adopted a tree, and in November the Friends’ Forest was officially opened with a poem by Eugeen Laridon: “Friends are like trees”. You too can adopt a tree or shrub! Numbered planting makes it possible to visit your tree again later, and it is a sustainable gift for a special occasion or memorial. Philosophy lovers a hundred years from now may perhaps philosophise at the foot of your tree!
Adoption prices:
- Butterfly bush: €12.50
- Wild pear (Pyrus communis)€69.00 – blossom and autumn colours
- Kroosjesplum (Prunus insitia)€69,00 – edible fruit and blossom
Adopt a birdhouse in the ISVW Friends’ Forest
For €17.50, you can adopt a great tit, blue tit, tree sparrow, treecreeper or spotted flycatcher. We will put up a nest box and ensure that your bird can nest safely. The Vriendenbos has significantly increased biodiversity: more trees and plants mean more insects and therefore more food for birds. Numbered nest boxes make it possible to find your bird again later. This can also be a sustainable gift or memorial.
Staying overnight, holding a meeting and would you like to adopt a tree or birdhouse?For more information or to get in touch, call +31 (0)33 465 07 00 or email info@isvw.nl