Summer drifting sand plain and heathland landscape ambiance.
The photo captures a summer drifting sand plain and heathland landscape in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen in the south of the Netherlands, with expansive fields of Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea) gently swaying in the sunlight. The sandy soil and scattered pines give the area its distinctive semi-open character. Beneath the clear blue sky, the nature reserve radiates a serene, almost tranquil beauty.
There are many insects to be heard, such as the sand wasp and the European field cricket. At the beginning, you hear the call of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. A little later, you hear it tapping against the tree to find insects. In this beautiful park, you also hear people in the distance.
The Loonse and Drunense Duinen: A Dynamic Landscape in Brabant
Located in the province of Noord-Brabant, the Loonse and Drunense Duinen form one of the largest areas of drifting sand in Western Europe. Often referred to as the Brabant Sahara, this nature reserve is characterised by its unique combination of sand dunes, heathlands, and forested areas.
The landscape originated during the last Ice Age, when strong polar winds deposited thick layers of sand across the region. Over time, human activity—such as deforestation in the Middle Ages and intensive grazing—led to soil degradation, allowing the wind to reactivate sand drift and reshape the terrain.
Today, the area covers approximately 30 square kilometers and includes:
• Drifting sand plains, which are still actively shaped by wind
• Heathlands, dominated by species like cross-leaved heath and Purple Moor Grass
• Forests, primarily consisting of pine and deciduous trees
The Loonse and Drunense Duinen are managed to balance natural dynamics with conservation goals. Measures are taken to preserve the open character of the dunes while protecting biodiversity and maintaining recreational value. The reserve offers a rare example of a semi-natural landscape that continues to evolve under the influence of both nature and human stewardship.
More tracks here today / More here during the years
Date/time: August 24, 2025, 10:20 am
Weather: 15-19 ºc, clouds 0-40%, wind N 4-17 km/h, 1022 hPa, humidity 57-67%, visibility 46 km, dew point 0c, 10 ºc
Location; heathland and drifting sand plains, Van Gogh Nationaal Park / Nationaal park Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Udenhout, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (Holland), Europe. GPS 51.64471 5.14760
Gear chain: Sennheiser mkh30/50 MS with pointed NE 333º, in Rycote cyclone small, windjammer > Tascam FR-AV2. Noise floor 36.7 dB, Post editing: Decoded Mid-side to STEREO. EQ correction for the blimp.
Original 91 minute MS-track 96/32 bit-float only available for motivated pro's and artists.
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Type
Flac (.flac)
Duration
2:00.000
File size
47.6 MB
Sample rate
96000.0 Hz
Bit depth
24 bit
Channels
Stereo
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