Safeguarding De Zanding: How Het Lorkenbos, IVN and the Municipality Protect a Sensitive Nature Area

De Zanding is one of those rare places where you can still feel silence. That quiet is precious—and fragile. Safeguarding De Zanding means balancing unforgettable walks with careful visitor guidance, so sensitive wildlife and heather landscapes remain intact. Here’s how Het Lorkenbos, IVN and the municipality protect this unique area—and how you can help from the moment you arrive.

What makes De Zanding so sensitive?

The heath and drifting sands around De Zanding support rare species that thrive only in open, undisturbed habitats. Animals such as the sand lizard, smooth snake and nightjar depend on sun‑warmed, quiet sandy plains and open heath. Trampling, loud noise, and leaving marked paths disrupt their routines and can drive them away. Delicate heath plants also suffer from repeated footfall, gradually thinning the vegetation that holds the ecosystem together.

In short: small disturbances add up. That’s why clear rules, smart visitor routing and consistent on‑the‑ground stewardship are essential to safeguarding De Zanding.

The partnership in action: guiding visitors and reducing pressure

Het Lorkenbos works with IVN and the municipality to manage visitor flows and protect sensitive habitats in and around De Zanding. The approach is practical, visible and designed to keep nature first while ensuring a great visitor experience.

Relocating the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures

A popular draw for families, the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures have been relocated from Het Lorkenbos to the adjacent Roekelse Bos. This move keeps the experience accessible and fun, while easing pressure on sensitive parts of the De Zanding area. It’s a good example of visitor‑flow management that preserves what matters most: peace and space for vulnerable species.

Clear rules that protect wildlife and habitats

To keep De Zanding healthy, visitors are asked to:

• Stay on marked paths at all times.
• Keep dogs leashed in the park and in surrounding nature areas.
• Do not pick plants or remove natural materials.
• Do not seek out wildlife; observe quietly from a distance.
• Avoid active outdoor sports in the sensitive area, such as mountain biking.

These simple steps greatly reduce disturbance, helping ground‑nesting birds and other species remain in place.

Enjoy De Zanding responsibly: routes, access and suitability

You don’t have to go off‑trail for breathtaking views. Thoughtful route design gives you variety and vistas without harming fragile zones.

The Otterloop: a compact showcase of Veluwe landscapes

• Route: The Otterloop is a waymarked circular walk of 4.9 km.
• Start: From Wever Lodge (Onderlangs 35, Otterlo) on the edge of De Zanding.
• Experience: Open heath and sand drifts, then gradual climbs into a pine forest on a push moraine—short, scenic and varied.
• Along the way: You’ll encounter artistic wildlife carvings that bring local nature to life.
• Difficulty: Suitable if you are reasonably steady on your feet; expect some gentle elevation changes and narrower forest paths.

Note: The walking route intersects a marked mountain bike route in a few places; stay alert and keep to the pedestrian path. At the same time, the sensitive core of De Zanding is not the place for active sports—please follow local signs and guidance.

Access, parking and suitability

• Access: De Zanding is free to enter for walkers.
• Parking: Conveniently park at Wever Lodge, Onderlangs 35, Otterlo.
• Mobility: Due to loose sand and elevation changes, the area is less suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
• Families: Children love the freely accessible sand dunes—great for running and clambering within the marked areas.

Distance from Het Lorkenbos

From Het Lorkenbos, you can walk to De Zanding in about 30 minutes or cycle there in roughly 5–8 minutes. It’s close enough for a sunrise stroll or a golden‑hour loop before dinner.

Volunteers and ongoing habitat management

Safeguarding De Zanding is more than signage. Volunteers, in cooperation with the municipality, actively maintain the open heath. Without this work, saplings and shrubs would quickly overgrow the heath. By regularly removing encroaching vegetation, they keep the landscape sunny and suitable for species that need warmth and light.

These efforts are paying off: the heathland area has expanded in recent years, and sensitive species associated with well‑developed heath—like the nightjar—are being observed more frequently. It’s a powerful reminder that local stewardship works when combined with thoughtful visitor guidance.

Quick answers for responsible visits (Featured‑snippet ready)

• Are dogs allowed in De Zanding? Yes—dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash in the area and on the park grounds.
• Is there an off‑leash alternative nearby? Yes—the park borders a large official off‑leash zone in the surrounding forest‑and‑heath area, accessible through several park exits. Use this zone if your dog needs a run.
• How long is the Otterloop? Approximately 4.9 km.
• Where should I start and park? Wever Lodge, Onderlangs 35, Otterlo is a great starting point with parking.
• What should I avoid in De Zanding? Don’t leave marked paths, keep dogs leashed, don’t pick plants, don’t seek out wildlife, and avoid active sports such as mountain biking in sensitive areas.
• Where are the Otterlose Big Five wood sculptures now? They’ve been relocated to the adjacent Roekelse Bos.

Practical ways you can help today

Small choices, big impact. Here’s how to enjoy more and disturb less:

1. Plan before you step out

   • Pick up walking and cycling tips at Het Lorkenbos reception.
   • Ask for details on the Otterloop and other scenic routes that suit your group’s ability and time.

2. Join a guided nature walk

   • Het Lorkenbos offers guided walks with a certified nature guide. You’ll learn to spot signs of wildlife and understand the habitat—while staying on the best‑suited paths. Sign up at reception for the next tour.

3. Match your activity to the setting

   • Keep active sports to appropriate, designated areas outside sensitive zones. In De Zanding, walk quietly and stick to marked trails.

4. Be a responsible dog owner

   • Leash at all times in the park and in De Zanding.
   • Let your companion run free in the nearby off‑leash zone reached via several park exits.

5. Choose low‑impact fun at the park

   • Opt for Het Lorkenbos’s digital scavenger hunts on park grounds for an engaging, low‑impact alternative—perfect for curious kids and adults.
   • If the weather turns, try the indoor nature adventure for children led by a nature guide.

6. Stay informed

   • Subscribe to the park’s official WhatsApp channel for practical updates, news and offers during your stay.

7. Time your visit wisely

   • Early morning or later afternoon walks often mean fewer people on the paths, which helps keep the area calm for wildlife—and can make your experience even more serene.

Why these measures matter (and work)

• Marked paths protect micro‑habitats: Trails concentrate foot traffic, reducing trampling of young heather and ground nests.
• Leashes reduce stress and flushing: Even friendly dogs can inadvertently disturb wildlife. Leash rules keep the area calm.
• Visitor‑flow solutions preserve highlights: Moving popular features—like the Otterlose Big Five carvings—to Roekelse Bos keeps the experience enjoyable while relieving hotspots.
• Active management maintains openness: Removing young trees and shrubs keeps the heath sunny and suitable for specialist species.

Taken together, these simple steps safeguard the character and biodiversity of De Zanding while keeping it a joy to visit.

Conclusion: Walk softly, see more—and help keep De Zanding wild

Safeguarding De Zanding is a shared effort. Het Lorkenbos, IVN and the municipality guide visitors thoughtfully, relocate popular features to less sensitive spots, and support hands‑on habitat management. With your help—staying on marked paths, keeping dogs leashed, and choosing low‑impact activities—this unique heath and sand landscape will continue to thrive.

Ready to explore responsibly? Book your stay at Het Lorkenbos, ask reception for route tips, and sign up for a guided nature walk. For questions or to plan activities, call reception at +31 318 591 567.