Big Five on the Move: Why We Relocated the Otterlose Big Five Wood Sculptures to Roekelse Bos

If you love the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures, you’re not alone. These beloved artworks have been a favorite stop for guests for years. Recently, we relocated the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures from Het Lorkenbos to the adjacent Roekelse Bos. In this post, you’ll learn exactly where to find them now, why the move was essential for nature conservation, and how you can still enjoy the sculptures—while helping protect the unique habitats that make our surroundings so special.

What Changed: Where the Otterlose Big Five Are Now

Quick answer: The Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures are now in Roekelse Bos, directly next to Het Lorkenbos.

Roekelse Bos sits right alongside our park, which means you can still visit the sculptures with ease during your stay. Our reception team is happy to offer route suggestions and beautiful walking tips tailored to your plans.

Why Roekelse Bos?

Relocating the sculptures to Roekelse Bos helps reduce visitor pressure on the most sensitive habitats nearby. By bringing a popular point of interest closer to the park’s edge, we make it simpler for guests to enjoy the art while keeping the most fragile areas quieter and less disturbed.

Why We Relocated Them: Protecting Sensitive Habitats

Het Lorkenbos is surrounded by remarkable nature, including the vulnerable area known as De Zanding. This landscape is home to rare species that depend on quiet, open heath and sandy plains. Among them are the sand lizard, the smooth snake, and the nightjar—species that can be sensitive to disturbance.

Even small changes in visitor behavior add up outdoors. When people leave marked paths, let dogs roam freely, or create excess noise, wildlife may retreat or vanish from breeding and feeding grounds. Heathland plants are also easily damaged by trampling. Over time, these impacts shift the ecological balance.

To safeguard these habitats, we work together with partners such as IVN and the municipality on better nature management and smart visitor flow strategies. One of those strategies is relocating the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures to Roekelse Bos. This keeps an attractive experience accessible to guests while lowering pressure on the most delicate parts of the landscape.

What we ask of every visitor is simple and effective:

• Stay on marked paths
• Keep your dog on a leash
• Do not pick plants
• Do not actively search for wildlife
• Avoid loud activities and do not use the area for active outdoor sports like mountain biking

Small actions like these make a big difference—today and for the long term.

How to Visit the Sculptures During Your Stay

You can combine a relaxed woodland outing with a stop at the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures in Roekelse Bos. Because Roekelse Bos is adjacent to Het Lorkenbos, the visit fits naturally into a morning walk or an afternoon stroll.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Ask our reception for a recommended route. The team gladly shares up-to-date walking tips and can advise on paths that suit your timing and interests.
• Join a guided nature walk. We regularly host “Wandeling met natuurgids” outings led by a certified guide—perfect for discovering local flora and fauna respectfully. You can sign up at reception.
• Consider an excursion with the forest ranger. This bookable activity offers deeper insight into the landscape’s dynamics and how to enjoy it responsibly.
• Mix art and family fun. If the weather disagrees, our “Natuuravontuur binnen met natuurgids” offers an engaging indoor nature experience for children. On-park digital scavenger hunts add another playful, low-impact way to explore.

After your walk, you can unwind back at Het Lorkenbos. Brasserie Roekel, located at our park, is a welcoming spot to refuel.

Conservation in Practice: How the Move Helps Nature

Relocating the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures may feel like a small change, but it supports a broader conservation approach with clear benefits:

• Concentrates footfall near robust edges of the woodland rather than in the most sensitive core areas.
• Shortens the distance many visitors travel to see the sculptures, which lowers the likelihood of off-trail shortcuts.
• Makes it easier to pair an art visit with guided activities that reinforce responsible recreation habits.

By tuning where points of interest are located, we help keep the rare—and easily disturbed—species of De Zanding thriving, without taking away the joy of discovery.

Responsible Recreation Checklist (Easy to Follow, Big Impact)

Use this simple checklist whenever you set out to see the sculptures or explore the surrounding nature:

1. Stay on marked paths at all times.
2. Keep your dog on a leash.
3. Keep voices low; let the sounds of the forest lead.
4. Do not pick plants or collect natural items.
5. Do not actively search for wildlife; enjoy chance encounters from the path.
6. Skip high-impact sports (like mountain biking) in sensitive zones.
7. Take litter with you and leave no trace.

These steps protect breeding grounds, reduce stress for wildlife, and preserve fragile heathland plants—so future visitors can enjoy the same unspoiled beauty.

Plan a Sculpture Stop the Smart Way

For a smooth, low-impact visit, try this:

• Start at Het Lorkenbos with a quick check at reception for route and timing suggestions.
• Combine your sculpture visit with a short guided walk to deepen your nature knowledge.
• Keep your smartphone handy for the on-park digital scavenger hunts—great for kids and a fun, nature-friendly add-on.
• If you travel by EV, note that we have E-flux charging poles at the main reception (Mosselsepad 64) and additional charging points in lane D/E near Brasserie Roekel.

Internal Tips and Ideas to Enrich Your Stay

• Explore more with a guided nature walk or a ranger-led excursion (sign up at reception).
• Check our “Laatste nieuws” for updates on activities and any seasonal tips.
• Traveling with kids? Browse the “Recreatieteam” program and consider the indoor “Natuuravontuur” option on rainy days.
• Looking beyond nature? Our “Cultuur” page lists nearby museums and cultural outings, and “Leuke dingen doen rondom Otterlo – tips” is packed with local inspiration.

FAQ: Short Answers for Quick Searchers

Where are the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures now?

They have been relocated to Roekelse Bos, directly adjacent to Het Lorkenbos.

Why were the sculptures moved?

To help protect sensitive habitats and species by reducing visitor pressure in the most vulnerable areas nearby.

Can I still see the sculptures during my holiday at Het Lorkenbos?

Yes. The sculptures are close by in Roekelse Bos. Ask reception for a suggested route.

How can I visit responsibly?

Stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, avoid noise, don’t pick plants, and don’t use sensitive areas for high-impact sports.

Are there guided activities I can join?

Yes. You can join guided nature walks with a certified guide and book an excursion with the forest ranger—simply arrange it at reception.

Practical Takeaways

• The Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures are now in Roekelse Bos next to Het Lorkenbos.
• The relocation supports wildlife and habitat protection in sensitive nearby areas such as De Zanding.
• You can still enjoy the sculptures easily during your stay—just ask reception for route tips.
• Follow the responsible recreation checklist to keep nature thriving for everyone.
• Enhance your visit with guided walks, ranger excursions, digital scavenger hunts, and family-friendly programs.

Conclusion

Relocating the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures to Roekelse Bos strikes a careful balance: keeping a much-loved experience accessible while safeguarding the quiet, fragile habitats that make the Veluwe so extraordinary. With a few simple choices—staying on marked paths, leashing dogs, and embracing guided discovery—you help protect rare species and ensure the landscape stays wild and wonderful.

Ready to plan your visit? Book your stay via our website’s “Zoek & Boek uw vakantie,” or call our reception at +31 318 591 567 for route tips and activity bookings. We look forward to welcoming you—and to protecting nature together.