The Hedelse Bovenwaard is a nature reserve on the northern bank of the Maas, just west of the A2 highway. The Maas once flowed here, but 150 years later only a swampy channel and a few shallow pools remind us of that time.

Centrally located in the area is a large, deep lake created by decades of sand extraction. A shallow canal connects this lake with the swampy channel and tidal action of the Maas refreshes the lake.
On the east side of the lake there are several heavily wooded breakwaters creating a considerably longer shoreline.

To the west sit rugged, flowery meadows, tufts of riparian forest and a small  forest of elms and oaks. In summer the entire area is grazed by a small herd of free roaming cattle.

In terms of flora, Hedelse Bovenwaard is clearly a nature reserve in development, but birds, rabbits, foxes and beavers have already moved in to stay.
In summer the meadows and shores teem with scores of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.   

I regularly visit this very interesting little nature reserve, armed with my Canon SX70HS camera. 
The photos are from 2021 onwards.