Landgoed Heidestein Is A Nature Reserve On The Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Royalty-Free Stock Photography

The area between Driebergen and Amersfoort was already a forest area before the Middle Ages. Barley, rye, buckwheat and wheat were grown on the scattered fields. Due to increasing reclamation, the forests were cut down and the natural wealth of the soil was depleted. Due to increased logging and overgrazing by sheep, the forest area slowly turned into an open plain with heaths and sand drifts. Between 1870 and 1890 coniferous forests were planted on a large scale for the production of wood.