Information Centre Keent - Keent

The Keent nature reserve lies between Ravenstein and Grave, along the River Meuse. It’s named after the hamlet of Keent, which used to be part of Gelderland but, after the cutting off of a Meuse bend in 1938, became part of North Brabant. Since then, the area has changed a lot: where farmland once dominated, a dynamic river landscape has now emerged.

Water safety is a key principle. In 2015, a former four-kilometre Meuse meander was dug out again and reconnected to the river. This allows Keent to store excess water during high water levels and relieve pressure on the surroundings. At the same time, there’s lots of space for new nature. Marshes, open grasslands, muddy banks and rugged terrain create a wide variety of habitats. Free-roaming cattle and horses keep the landscape open and boost biodiversity. Keent is also special because of the Tauros programme – a project that brings back cattle breeds that strongly resemble the extinct aurochs. Birds, fish, amphibians and countless insects benefit from these changes, making Keent known today as a lively “Serengeti on the Meuse”.

Visitors are welcome at the Keent Information Centre, which has a car park. When the barn doors are open, you’ll find information about the area. Volunteers regularly organise activities and excursions to help you discover Keent even better.