Van Gogh National Park: A Masterpiece of Nature
Well, well, well, folks! Buckle up because the sleepy province of North Brabant has just stepped into the big leagues with the announcement of the brand-spanking new Van Gogh National Park. Yes, you heard that right! A whopping 100,000 hectares have been given the *official stamp of approval* by State Secretary Rummenie of Nature. And just like that, the Loonse and Drunense Duinen are now living under the proud banner of this stunning tribute to good ol’ Vincent Van Gogh.
What’s in a Name?
Now, before you start picturing a park filled with “Starry Night” themed slides and “Sunflowers” bush mazes, let’s clear a few things up. This isn’t your average national park with a pricey entrance fee and a fence that looks like it’s guarding the crown jewels. No, this park is meant to be an “international calling card” for North Brabant. A bit like a postcard that whispers sweet nothings about how lovely it is while still being not-so-subtly jealous of France.
For a staggering 1.5 million Brabanders, this isn’t just another park—it’s their backyard! The area stretches from the rather delightful southwest of Breda to the enchanting Helmond in the east, wrapping itself around towns, cities, and enough nature reserves to make any Instagram influencer shed a tear of joy.
Greener Pastures Ahead
Have no fear! The provincial authorities promise that things are about to get a whole lot greener. They’re talking about planting 1,000 kilometers of hedges around the countryside! Because what’s better than living next to a sprawling semi-wild hedge that’s just crying out to have a well-placed fairy door? Oh, and farmers are planning to let the hikers tromp across their land, turning agrarian real estate into an open-air trail system. Nothing says “come hike on my farm” quite like a grinning farmer waving his pitchfork.
Vincent’s Roots: The Potato Eaters Connection
Why is it called Van Gogh National Park? Well, aside from the fact that “Vincent’s Vast Area of Variety” simply isn’t marketable, the park is a nod to the artist himself, who famously painted his first masterpiece, The Potato Eaters, there in 1885. Let’s be real—if only the man had painted something a bit more Instagram-friendly like a smoothie bowl, this park might have been a real viral sensation!
As North Brabant looks to bolster its natural eco-status, it’s not just about the aesthetics; it’s about establishing a *”powerful engine for further area development.”* And by that, I’m sure they mean to entice even more tourists to marvel at lush fields, wildflowers, and perhaps, if they’re lucky, a reenactment of Van Gogh throwing a tantrum over his potato palette!
Conclusion: A New Era for Brabant
In conclusion, it seems North Brabant is on a delightful trajectory—one that promises not just verdant pastures but also a canvas for memories, walking escapades, and Instagram stories. With this announcement, they’re not only turning a sleepy province into a chic destination but doing so with a nod to one of the greatest artists of all time. So go ahead, grab your walking boots, your best cap, and prepare to step into a piece of history so vibrant it might just make you want to trade in your crayon box for oil paints!
As always, remember to leave the hedges the way you found them; this park isn’t a canvas for your artistic mischief—yet!
VisitBrabantThe Loonse and Drunense Duinen are now in Van Gogh National Park
In collaboration with
Omroep Brabant
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 21:49
A large part of the province of North Brabant has become part of the Van Gogh National Park. State Secretary Rummenie of Nature has officially given the 100,000 hectare area the status of National Park.
The national park is no park with an entrance and a fence. The area must become an “international calling card” for the province.
Van Gogh National ParkThe Van Gogh National Park
Omroep Brabant writes that about one and a half million Brabant residents now live in the National Park. This concerns the area from the southwest of Breda to Helmond in the east of the province. In addition to cities and villages, the National Park also includes nature reserves such as the Loonse and Drunense Duinen, the Kampina and the Ulvenhoutse Bos.
The province wants to make the area considerably greener in the coming years. This will create 1,000 kilometers of hedges in the countryside. There will also be more greenery in residential areas. Another plan is for farmers to open part of their land to hikers.
Potato eaters
The area is named after Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) because he grew up in the area and painted his first masterpiece there in 1885, The Potato Eaters. The province wants people from home and abroad to experience the nature and landscape that inspired Van Gogh.
The province of North Brabant and the chairman of the national park regard the new status as “a powerful engine for further area development and a good living environment for people, plants and animals”.
