The Maasheggen (heg = hedge) is an UNESCO Man & Biosphere area where the relationship between man and landscape is strongly visible. It combines the protection of landscape, heritage and nature with stimulating the development of people and the environment in which they live. Preservation of the landscape here is carried by people, economic activities are in balance with the ecological and landscape values. Here people live, live, work and enjoy together.
Since the UNESCO status was awarded in 2018, a lot has happened in the Maasheggen area: kilometres of new hedges have been planted, the existing hedges and trees are being restored and better managed, plots have been exchanged, the streams have been tackled, pools and other landscape elements have been created. Regional fences are forged and placed, the craftsmanship of hedge weaving and hedge laying is once again a living and current craft.
More and more Maasheggen farmers are taking into account the specific characteristics of the landscape in which they work in their business operations. New cycling routes and walking maps make it more attractive than ever for tourists and recreationists to explore De
Maasheggen. Entrepreneurs make their business and personal connection with De Maasheggen visible by developing regional products and jointly selling them, they can call themselves certified Maasheggen ambassadors. The club of Friends of the Maasheggen is a thriving and growing community. For children there is the Maasheggenkids program. And students and scientists regularly go into the area to conduct research into plant and animal species and historically grown cultural customs.
Application Form Landscape Award 2025-2026
Project Presentation and Guide
Application videos from The Netherlands for the 9th session of the Landscape Award
