Bosland is more than just a forest. In 2024, this impressive natural landscape in Noord-Limburg became one of Flanders’ four official national parks. Covering more than 5,000 hectares of exceptional flora and fauna, the park is a place where tranquillity, adventure, and discovery go hand in hand. Wander across the Lommelse Sahara, cycle through the treetops, picnic in hidden clearings, or spot the park’s very own Big Five. In Bosland, everything is possible. This versatility called for a practical guide to help visitors make the most of every visit—a wonderfully wild challenge that ZINNIG was delighted to sink its copywriting teeth into!
THE CHALLENGE
Capturing the fun of nature while encouraging visitors to treat it with care and respect.
Bosland National Park is more than just a recreation area. Across its ten distinct nature zones, each with their own specific features, ecologists and researchers are working on a wide range of conservation projects to protect and strengthen this extraordinary landscape. Visitors should be aware of this, if only to remind them that here, plants and wildlife always come first. But how do you combine this wealth of information in one practical and engaging publication? This called for a deep dive into the wild in search of the right words.
THE APPROACH
Meet the wild head-on!
From the elusive fox and the returning wolf to Europe’s largest owl, the endangered ladybird spider, and the dazzling kingfisher, Bosland National Park is home to an impressive cast of wildlife. Rather than present visitors with a dry encyclopaedia of species, we created two lists: The Big Five and The Magnificent Seven. Not only do these titles roll off the tongue, they also encourage relaxation-seekers to look around and connect with nature.
No dry field guide, but a fascinating journey of discovery structured around the park’s ten natural areas. We explain each area’s unique landscape, how it evolved, and the plants and animals that call it home. We also give readers an overview of the highlights, activities, and walking and cycling routes, along with useful tips, important guidelines, and fun facts about the park’s natural phenomena and ongoing research studies.
Do’s, don’ts, and target groups
If you happen to lose your way, flip to the back of the guide to find your bearings again. From families with children to mountain bikers, horseback riders, and entrepreneurs: everyone can enjoy Bosland National Park in their own way with our tips. However you end up enjoying the park, remember the golden rule: do it with respect. With clear answers to frequently asked questions, practical guidelines, and an emergency reference section, everyone can set off on their adventure well-prepared. This guide is fun and informative and will soon be available in Dutch, French, English and German.
RESULTS
Compact guide to the wild
Jeroen Clerix of Bosland National Park: ‘This was a tough brief for ZINNIG. As passionate nature lovers, we want to share every detail. Somehow, ZINNIG managed to shape that wealth of information into a clear and compact guide for our visitors. They now have a comprehensive booklet to help them get to know Bosland National Park, as well as its residents, rules, history, and future. This helps us bring people and nature a little closer together.’
