Malpie

A stones throw from Valkenswaard lies nature reserve De Malpie. The unparalleled beauty of this
area led to Valkenswaard being voted “Hiking Municipality of the Year” in 2016.
De Malpie is an area of heathland with beautiful fens, the Dommel river and a beautiful forest. All
this combined make it an attractive and varied hiking destination, which is equally enjoyable to
cyclists. A visit to De Malpie often begins or ends at the Venberg Water Mill, also a great place to
stop for a snack or drink.
About the area
De Malpie consists of two parts. First there are the Malpie meadows, an area of 536 acres located
between Valkenswaard and Borkel en Schaft that is owned by the Natuurmonumenten association.
The other part covers the Malpie forests and the De Malpie nature reserve. This is a contiguous area
of about 1000 acres, 300 of which consists of heathland and fens.

Woodpeckers and bats
The woodlands of De Malpie used to be a production forest that generated timber for the mining
industry. Now it is slowly turning into an increasingly natural deciduous forest. On a hike here, you
can hear and spot all kinds of birds that not so long ago did not feel at home here. Several different
species of woodpecker frequent the area, such as the green woodpecker and great spotted
woodpecker. And De Malpie has a bat cellar that is home to big-eared bats and natterer's bats.
Facts about De Malpie:
- Did you know that the Molenven and Pastoorsven in De Malpie were created and are being used as
fishing ponds?
- De Malpie is a great place to walk your dog. Dogs are more than welcome here, on a lead of course.
- The area has several parking facilities to park your car.