Planken Wambuis

Heath, fen and large wildlife in one area

Planken Wambuis is a nature reserve managed by Staatsbosbeheer on the Veluwe, between Ede and Otterlo. The landscape shifts constantly: open heathland gives way to small fields, fens and expansive deciduous forest. That variety makes it appealing for both landscape and wildlife photographers. You don't have to look long before the scene changes entirely.

The area is well known for its free-roaming red deer, fallow deer and wild boar. September and October bring the rutting season, and that is by far the most interesting time to be here. Roaring stags, breath misting in the morning cold, antlers crashing through the undergrowth. It is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can experience this up close, as long as you stay calm and keep your distance.

Light and season

Autumn works well here, even outside the rut. The heather stays purple well into September, and once the trees turn you get that warm orange-brown palette that makes Veluwe forest edges so photogenic. Morning light is almost always worth the effort. In mist the area takes on extra atmosphere: the low-lying terrain keeps mist hanging over the fens and open flats for a long time.

For landscapes I usually work here with a focal length between 24mm and 70mm. Open heathland asks for a strong foreground element, a bushy clump, a pool, a track. For wildlife you quickly find yourself at 300mm or more, especially if you don't want to disturb the animals.

Practical

There are several car parks along the Arnhemseweg and the Harskamperweg. The area is freely accessible, but during the rut extra rules apply: some paths are closed in the evening and at night to avoid disturbing the animals. Check with Staatsbosbeheer beforehand to see which routes are open. Dogs are not permitted in large parts of the area, or must be kept on a lead. Getting up early pays off, the animals are active at sunrise and move into the forest later in the morning.

Planken Wambuis requires patience. But if you arrive early, accept the cold and move quietly, the area will give you images that are hard to make anywhere else.

Sources and further reading

• Staatsbosbeheer – Planken Wambuis
• Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe
• Wikipedia – Planken Wambuis