Mellepark

Mellepark is a surprising piece of nature in the heart of Uden. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary green park with water and trees. But look a little closer, and you’ll discover a landscape full of unique soil layers, rare plants, and butterflies.

Brown water, clear story
The water in Mellepark stands out because of its rusty brown color. This isn’t due to pollution, but to a natural process. The groundwater in this area contains iron particles that turn orange-brown when exposed to oxygen. During dry and calm weather, the particles settle on the bottom and the water appears clear. But during a rain shower, the water is stirred up, the particles rise, and the water turns brown.

Traces of the River Meuse
Mellepark hides an ancient secret: a former branch of the River Meuse once flowed here, leaving behind gravel banks and sand dunes. Gravel and sand form a permeable soil, allowing iron-rich groundwater to rise to the surface. In those spots, a hard, dense iron layer forms — known as an iron pan. Few plants grow directly on it, but the wet, nutrient-poor soil around it attracts rare species. Scattered throughout the park, you’ll find clusters of iron ore stones — special remnants of ancient natural history.

Rare greenery
When the water features in Mellepark were created, old sand layers were exposed. Now, rare plants grow there, such as the spotted orchid, star of Bethlehem, and great burnet. In the water, you’ll see species like pondweed, floating club-rush, and whorled water milfoil. The mineral-rich groundwater supports the growth of trees like hornbeam, maple, linden, and bird cherry.

Colorful flowers
For several months a year, Mellepark offers colorful flowers in its grassy areas. Cuckoo flower and garlic mustard attract butterflies such as the orange tip — recognizable by the orange wingtips on the males. Some garden plants, like snowdrops and bluebells, have spread here naturally — a little extra gift from nature!

Did you know…

• …the name "Mellepark" refers to the Melle Fault, a branch of the Peel Boundary Fault? The surrounding neighborhood shares the same name.

• …various woodpeckers live in the park, such as the green woodpecker and the lesser spotted woodpecker? You might hear them drumming on the trees.

• …Mellepark is also a great place for a relaxing walk or a lovely picnic?

This text has been translated using AI.