The Schuitwater

The Schuitwater, is a highly varied natural area around an old Meuse channel. The old channel contains open water, marshy stretches, a tuft of reeds, marsh forest and wet grasslands. Higher up are sandy soils covered with forests, heathlands, fens and fields. The road from Melderslo to Broekhuizen divides the old Maasgeul into two parts: the Lottummer Schuitwater and the Broekhuizerbroek. Water used to flow through the old Maasgeul, but when the Maas started carrying less water, the channel became isolated. Marsh plants settled in and near the stagnant water, and low moorland peat formed on the bottom. The channel gradually grew dense. In the 18th century, the peat was extracted to serve as fuel. This is how open water was created again. The Schuitwater is unique because there is a lot of variation, from very wet to bone-dry areas. The area is therefore rich in unusual plants, mushrooms, insects and birds. There is plenty to enjoy in every season. For a photo impression click here