YOUR BACKYARD
WIJK D. It is the connection between Valkenswaard and Leende, located on the Valkenhorst estate. The district was known under this name until 1953. Where most cities and villages in the Netherlands had already started with house numbering and street names, Heeze-Leende lagged far behind. Until 53, the area was therefore referred to as: Wijk D.
The neighborhood is located on the Valkenhorst estate: a special environment with a rich history. The estate owes its name to the fact that some time ago royal families and high nobility enjoyed themselves on the estate with the "game of feathers", or falconry.
The Kempen heathland was in the migration route of the peregrine falcon and was therefore extremely suitable for catching the birds. Valkenwaard, the village next to this one, later even developed into the most important falconry center of Europe.
The ponds were well fertilized, which also attracted other wildlife such as otters and fish-eating birds. At the time, most people weren't too keen on the birds that liked a fish. Yet it has also brought positive aspects. It has made bird life in this area even more colorful: geese, ducks, swans and birds of prey currently enrich Landgoed Valkenhorst.
The area around Valkenhorst is therefore a hotspot not to be missed for nature lovers. Take a walk in the Leenderbos or the Malphie and take a look at the Fish Ponds. For more information you can contact us at any time.