Recently I was remembered by @AngieYC I promised a part two of my trip to the Posbank so here it is.
In Purple Posbank part one I introduced the area and told about the history and geology of it. In this part I will tell some more on the route we took, accessibility the meeting with the sheep herd and the shepherd.
Caption: Even if you’re here early in the morning fellow photographers are there before you.(Canon EOS 5D Mark II, ƒ/5.6, 1/6400sec, 300mm, ISO1000)
Caption: Many sandy paths cross the area not all are suited for wheelchairs. Old, dead Oaks are found all around.(Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/1000sec, 21mm, ISO250)
Looking trough the trees we saw the sheep herd with the shepherd coming our way. Again we were not the first photographers.
Caption: A ancient sandy wall that was made to divide ownership (Dutch: Eigendomswal) a so called ‘property wall’. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/200sec, 19mm, ISO250)
Caption: Walking, hiking and running are very popular in this area. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/6.3, 1/400sec, 600mm ISO1000)
Caption: Icelandic horse grazing at the heather. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/2500sec, 160mm, ISO1250)
Caption: Some of the dead Oaks will keep standing like this for many years and are and interesting element for photography. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III ƒ/7.1, 1/2000sec, 16mm, ISO250)
Meeting the Sheep Herd
As we walked trough the little lane of Birches on the ‘property wall’ I saw the sheep herd coming our way and of course we did not want to miss out on meeting those. We walked towards herd to take pictures and of course we weren’t the first ones to do so.
Caption: Morning fog and early sunlight are a perfect mix for a great photo atmosphere. For me these two are the perfect light for taking pictures.
(Canon EOS 5D Mark III ƒ/7.1, 1/1600sec, 375mm, ISO1250)
The Rheden Sheep Herd
Has grazed at the Rheden heath around the Posbank for more than 56 years. The heather continues to grow and blooms almost every year. Reptiles, insects and birds like to come to the heath. Together they ensure that nature continues to exist. That’s one reason people love the sheep (and probably because they are soft, sweet, and funny).
The Rheden sheep herd, founded in 1963 by damsel van Wurfbain, is one of the oldest surviving herds with a monumental pot stable in the Netherlands.
The herd mainly has public functions:
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Grazing of part of the Veluwezoom to keep the heathland open and to promote biodiversity in the open landscape, commissioned by Natuurmonumenten;
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To convert nutrients from the heath and forest into manure.
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Contribute to ecological and veterinary research by training / guiding shepherds, zookeepers, naturalists and interns;
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Maintaining the rare ‘Veluws Heath Sheep’ (Veluws Heideschaap) breed;
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Providing information to various public groups;
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Promoting nature education, nature experience and fun by organizing events such as lamb day, adoptions, sheep keepers party, nature events;
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contribute to the promotion of (natural) tourism in the municipality of Rheden.
*Caption: The sheep herd and the shepherd (in the back) encounter two photographers on their way. The sheep are curious to find out what strange animal has three,very thin, long black legs. (*Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/320sec, 150mm ISO1250)
Caption: Up close and personal. This sheep was really interested in finding out why I was kneeling down and what the strange black box was I had in front of my head. After it looked save she came for a nice cuddle, sheep are not so different as humans after all. (see the movie made by Laura Fokkema here) (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/2500sec, 160mm, ISO1250)
Caption: The shepherd and his loyal dog watch were the herd is going.They make sure they go to the place the shepherd has in mind. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/7.1, 1/640 sec, 150mm, ISO1250)
4 (See map below)
Caption: View from the a high viewpoint at the Kraaijenberg (Herikhuizerveld) Nationaal Park Veluwezoom))
(Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/9, 1/6400sec, 150mm, ISO500)
Caption: Pigeon *at the Kraaijenberg (Herikhuizerveld) Nationaal Park Veluwezoom)) *So this weird as it’s called Kraaijen (Crow) berg (mountain)! (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, ƒ/9, 1/400sec, 273mm, ISO500)
3 (See map below)
Caption:( Nr.3 at the map below). Follow the zigzag path up and you will be richly rewarded! From the vantage point you have a magnificent view over the heath of the the Posbank. Natuurmonumenten constructed the special zigzag path in 2019 to allow as many visitors as possible to enjoy the view, even those who depend on a mobility scooter or (electric) wheelchair. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III,
ƒ/9, 1/1600sec, 16mm, ISO200).
Caption: Map of Posbank with a route from Natuurmonumenten (RED) and our route (GREEN)
(Map used in courtesy of Natuurmonumenten)
Corona Guidelines
You are very welcome in the nature reserves! We do ask you to observe the access rules and the following measures:
- Avoid crowds.
- Give each other space and always keep a distance of 1.5 meters from each other.
- Look for nearby nature to avoid unnecessary travel movements.
- Do not leave tissues and other waste in nature.
- Follow the directions on signs, posters and from the rangers on site.
- If you have a cold or if you or a family member have a fever or shortness of breath, stay home.
The measures surrounding corona can change daily. Keep an eye on the website of the Dutch government for the latest news and guidelines.
