Ackerdijk Forest - Delft

The Ackerdijkse Forest in Midden-Delfland is a young forest built on Roman-era foundations. You'll find the Melarium: a centre for nature, bees, and art, a meeting place for beekeepers and scientists. Also here are the sculpture park of Art Centre Delft, freely accessible, and the Hortus Oculus, a sensory garden for people with visual impairments.

The forest itself is still developing. Cycle past young deciduous trees, open fields, and wet areas where reed, alder, and willow dominate. Between the ferns and undergrowth, butterflies flutter, and with a bit of luck, you might see a green woodpecker or a hawk. In the wet areas, reed warblers and frogs can be heard along the shores.

It's a bit off the cycling junction network, but you might still spot the massive 12-metre-high tulip vase with Delft blue pattern. An initiative by Land Art Delft, as a tribute to the city's famous symbol.