The municipality of Leudal, Staatsbosbeheer, and Bosgroep Zuid Nederland have commissioned a consulting firm to draw up a recreational zoning plan for the Leudal nature reserve. Our goals are: To protect and enhance vulnerable natural areas; and to preserve—and, where possible, expand—sufficient space for recreation and nature experiences. To this end, we are conducting research into both the area’s natural values and its recreational use. We are investigating where nature is vulnerable to recreational activities, where recreation currently takes place, and where opportunities exist for nature-oriented recreation. Among other things, we will conduct surveys in the area and distribute a questionnaire to residents, visitors, and other stakeholders to learn how people currently experience the area.We will then compare this information side by side. This will help us identify both challenges and opportunities and work toward creating a recreation zoning map. This Map , together with an implementation plan, will form the basis for concrete measures. The project will begin in August 2026 and run through the end of 2027.

Wat is het resultaat?

The result is a well-founded, practical plan in which natural values, recreational use, and the input of stakeholders have been carefully considered, accompanied by an implementation plan with concrete measures. The plan identifies:Where conflicts between nature and recreation arise or may arise;Where recreation fits well and where there may even be room for more;What measures are needed to protect nature while keeping recreation attractive and future-proof.This creates a collaborative and forward-looking framework for the recreational use of the Leudal nature area.

Visitor Survey

The Leudal Nature Reserve is both valuable and beloved. Because more and more people are enjoying the area, it is important to protect its fragile natural environment and manage recreational activities effectively. That is why we are investigating where nature needs extra protection, where there is room for recreation, and what measures will help ensure a sustainable future for Leudal. In this way, we are working together to create an area where nature and recreation reinforce each other.

We’d love to hear about your visit to the Leudal Nature Reserve! Your answers will help us better understand the current situation and make decisions for the future. The survey takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. Your answers will be processed anonymously and cannot be traced back to you.

In this questionnaire, we sometimes use the name “Leudal.” By this, we always mean the Leudal Nature Reserve. Thank you very much in advance for your participation!

Fill out the questionnaire right away

Frequently Asked Questions

What are we going to do?

The municipality of Leudal, Staatsbosbeheer, and Bosgroep Zuid Nederland have commissioned a consulting firm to draw up a recreational zoning plan for the Leudal nature reserve. Our goal is to:

Protecting and Strengthening Vulnerable Natural Habitats
Preserve sufficient space for recreation and nature experiences, and expand it where possible.

To that end, we are conducting research into both the area’s natural values and its recreational use. We are examining where nature is vulnerable to recreational activities, where recreational activities take place, and where opportunities exist for nature-based recreation. Among other things, we will conduct a survey in the area and distribute a questionnaire to residents, visitors, and other stakeholders to learn how people currently experience the area.

We will then compare this information side by side. This will allow us to identify both challenges and opportunities and work toward creating a recreational zoning map. This Map , together with an implementation plan, will form the basis for concrete measures. The project will begin in August 2026 and run through the end of 2027.

Why are we doing this?

The Leudal is both a Natura 2000 site protected at the European level and an important part of the Dutch Nature Network (NNN). As a result, the Leudal is not only a valuable nature reserve but also a popular place for hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and enjoying nature. The management plan for the Leudal therefore identifies the high and increasing recreational pressure as a key challenge. To find a solution to this, the municipality of Leudal, Staatsbosbeheer, and Bosgroep Zuid Nederland have launched this project. The project is funded by the province of Limburg.

We want to strike the right balance: protecting nature where necessary while at the same time preserving space for experiencing nature and recreation. After all, experiencing nature and recreation contribute to a pleasant and healthy living environment and foster a sense of connection to nature.

How will this affect you in the area?

In the short term, little will change in the area. That’s because we don’t determine in advance what changes are needed. When the recreational zoning plan is eventually implemented, it may mean that in some parts of the Leudal, there will be changes to how you can use or experience the area. The study may reveal that recreational use needs to be organized differently in some places, while in other places there are opportunities to enhance the nature experience or recreational opportunities. The goal is to create a recreational zoning plan that is clear, feasible, and consistent with both the natural values and the recreational use of the Leudal.

What is the result?

The result is a well-founded, practical plan that carefully balances natural values, recreational use, and the input of stakeholders, accompanied by an implementation plan with concrete measures. The plan demonstrates:

Where conflicts between nature and recreation arise or may arise;
Where recreation fits in well and there might even be room for more;
What measures are needed to protect nature while keeping recreational activities attractive and future-proof.

This creates a collaborative and forward-looking framework for the recreational use of the Leudal nature reserve.

How can you participate?

We can’t create effective recreational zoning on our own. The knowledge, experiences, and interests of the people who live, work, run businesses, enjoy recreational activities, or manage the Leudal area are essential to arriving at effective solutions.

That is why various groups are being involved, including landowners, recreational users, and residents, as well as advocacy groups focused on nature and recreation, business owners, managers, and policymakers. Stakeholders will have opportunities at various stages to provide input on the recreational zoning plan. For example, through the resident survey that will begin in September 2026.

This means you’ll have several opportunities to contribute your knowledge, experience, and ideas. The recreational zoning plan is expected to be finalized by the end of 2027. After that, the partners involved will decide which measures will be implemented and within what timeframe.