Story in sound.
It is quiet in October in the dunes, heathland / and the sand drift in Nederland. Wind, birds.
#0:54 Then two mountain bikers approach. They tackle the heavy sand hills covered with tree roots and potholes and speak with a Brabant (local) accent. One of them says that he is not yet in peak condition.
#1:36 Actually, neither of them has cycled much yet, they say.
#2:22 Then one of them falls. He hesitated about how to tackle the obstacle, and hesitation naturally leads to falling. His friend gives him some useful advice.
#3:37 Meanwhile, more mountain bikers pass by. Some adjustments need to be made.
#4:23 A propeller plane passes by. The cyclists chat a bit more and then continue their ride. Nature continues to whisper.
You wouldn't expect it anymore in October, but it is a pleasantly warm autumn weather here. It may not seem like there's much to see, but this sandy plain and the surrounding pine trees are teeming with ‘wildlife’. We're in the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, the largest inland sand drift area in Western Europe.
About the picture This is the spot where I recorded my audio. The landscape features a mix of sandy terrain and dry grass, typical of a dune or heathland environment. Sparse vegetation and scattered pine trees, birch trees and oaks give the area a rugged, natural feel. In the distance, a dense forest rises, creating a striking contrast with the open plain. The sky is partly cloudy, casting soft light over the scene. It's a peaceful, undisturbed setting—perfect for capturing the subtle sounds of nature.
Birds detected by Merlin Bird ID app ver. 3.8.1. I cannot guarantee results.
Goldcrest #3:15 #4:50 #5:06 #6:36 #6:42
Short-toed Treecreeper #3:44 #5:47
European Robin #4:42 #2:43 #2:48
About the history of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen in the Netherlands have a remarkable history shaped by wind, sand, and human activity. Around 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, cold polar winds blew vast amounts of sand into the region of Brabant, forming thick layers across the landscape.
Over time, ancient forests grew over the sandy plains. But from the 14th century onward, people began cutting down trees for firewood and agriculture. As the forests disappeared, the sand was no longer held in place and began to drift freely. This led to large areas of shifting sand—what was once seen as an environmental crisis is now a rare and protected landscape.
One of the most striking features of this area is that many trees are only partially visible. Due to centuries of sand movement, the lower parts of the trees—including their trunks and roots—have been completely buried. Only the tops of the trees remain above the surface, like green islands rising from a sea of sand. These trees have adapted to survive in this unusual environment, and their hidden forms tell a silent story of resilience.
In later centuries, efforts were made to stabilize the dunes by replanting trees and managing grazing. Today, the area is protected by Natuurmonumenten and is part of the Van Gogh National Park. It’s a designated Natura 2000 site and is often called the “Brabant Sahara” for its vast, desert-like appearance.
More recordings here today / More in this erea
Date/time: October 9 2025, 2:06 pm
Weather: 16 ºc, partly clouded, wind WNW 15-25 km/h, 1026 hPa, humidity 70%, visibility 38 km, dew point 10 ºc, sun intensity 523 W/m2, Clouds 12 km high.
Location; sand drift Loonse en Drunense Duinen, van Gogh Nationaal Park, Drunen, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (Holland), Europe. GPS 51.65121 5.14910
Gear chain: Sennheiser mkh30/50 MS with pointed South, in Rycote cyclone small, windjammer > Sound Devices 302 >Tascam fr-av2 . Noise floor 37.2 dB (whistling leaves), Decoded Mid-side to STEREO. Post edit; Blimp EQ correction, and limiter on -3 dB when necessary.
Original 68 minute MS-track 48/32 bit-float available for motivated pro's and artists.
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Type
Flac (.flac)
Duration
6:52.668
File size
92.7 MB
Sample rate
48000.0 Hz
Bit depth
24 bit
Channels
Stereo
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