Westerbroek

This village is located in fenlands (a low-level peat area), with some bog lakes. From the start of the peat extraction in 1771, Westerbroek grew into an elongated village from the Hunze. The cutting of peat caused the formation of many bog lakes around the village. The area around Westerbroek is one of the last low peat bogs in Groningen. There were also a number of estate houses where wealthy patricians retreated in the summer. Most of these were demolished in the 19th century. The only estate houses left around the village are Vaartwijk, built in 1797, Langwijkand Meerzicht. The church was built in 1889 on the site of the old church, which burned down a few years earlier. South of the village is the Westerbroekstermadepolder nature reserve, which plays an important role in water management and is used as water resevoir. Konik horses and Scottish Highlanders graze in this nature reserve.