Fochteloerveen

Endless bog and cranes coming in to roost

Fochteloerveen sits on the border of Drenthe and Friesland, just outside Veenhuizen. It is one of the largest raised bog areas in the Netherlands, and the moment you stand in the middle of it you understand why. No trees blocking the view, no buildings trimming the horizon. Just peat, water, sky. For a landscape photographer, that is almost too much of a good thing.

The area is managed by Staatsbosbeheer and in part by Natuurmonumenten. A network of paths and hides runs through it, making it straightforward to work quietly without disturbing the terrain.

Cranes as the main event

In fall, somewhere between September and November, cranes gather here before continuing south. Sometimes it is hundreds of birds, sometimes thousands. The evening flight to the roost is what you are working towards. They arrive in waves, their distinctive calls audible before you can see them. A long focal length, at least 400mm, is far from unnecessary here. The light is already low and warm by then, so push the ISO and work with slightly faster shutter speeds to freeze the movement.

In spring, around March and April, they appear again. The groups are smaller, but the landscape is fresh in a different way, with that first green and low morning mist hanging over the water.

Light and composition

The bog itself is photogenic year-round. Early in the morning, mist sits low over the peat pools, creating pleasing layers. The recurring stretches of water and the reed beds give you something to anchor a foreground. Use a wide angle for the openness of the landscape, or a telephoto to compress the structure of the peat and the reeds.

Overcast weather works well here. Shadowless, even light lets the tones of sphagnum moss, dry grass and open water come through better than harsh midday sun.

Practical

You can park at the entrance on the Bikkersweg near Fochteloo or at the parking lot towards Veenhuizen. The hides are reachable on foot from both sides. Allow for muddy paths, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is a sensible precaution. During the big crane evenings in fall the better-known viewpoints can get busy. Arriving a little earlier gives you time to find a good position.

Sources and further reading

• Staatsbosbeheer – Fochteloerveen
• Natuurmonumenten – Fochteloerveen
• Vogelatlas – kraanvogel in Nederland