Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park occupation. Intensive land use, reforestation and the building of country estates transformed the appearance of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug over the centuries. The history of the region is reflected in the wide variety of soil types, relief and land use. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is the second largest forest area in the Netherlands. In the forest some relics from the original post-glacial forests can be found, including oak and beech. In the park several marten species can be found, such as the European badger ("Meles meles") and the European pine marten ("Martes martes"). There are more than 100 bird species living in
European hedgehog days they can roll into a ball. Weaning occurs at four to six weeks of age. European hedgehogs may live to ten years of age, although the average life expectancy is three years. Starvation is the most common cause of death, usually occurring during hibernation. If alarmed, the animal will roll into a ball to protect itself. Many potential predators are repelled by its spines, but predation does occur. Remains of hedgehogs have been found in the stomachs of European badgers ("Meles meles"), red foxes ("Vulpes vulpes") and pine martens ("Martes martes"). A large portion of these may be from