Bomputten

Bomputten is a small but remarkable nature reserve straddling the boundary between Houtem (part of Vilvoorde) and Eppegem (part of Zemst), in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. Covering roughly 17 hectares, the site is managed by Natuurpunt, the organization responsible for much of Belgium's grassroots nature conservation. It's a place where World War II history and present-day wildlife intersect — and its name tells the story of how it came to be.

Where does the name Bomputten come from?

The reserve takes its name from nine authentic bomb craters left over from World War II. These were created during Allied bombing raids that targeted nearby factories in Vilvoorde; while aiming for industrial sites, the bombers left deep craters scattered across the surrounding land, several of which gradually filled with water. Originally there were many more craters than survive today — over the following decades many were backfilled or converted into farmland. The ones that remain have partly served as watering holes for cattle, and are now maintained as ecologically valuable habitats.

What does the landscape look like?

The terrain of Bomputten is shaped by numerous ponds and drainage ditches, formed both directly from the bomb craters and from natural depressions in the ground. This patchwork of small wetland pools is what has turned the area into a valuable habitat for species tied to damp environments.

What plants and animals live there?

The reserve is home to three newt species: the smooth newt, the alpine newt, and the rarer great crested newt, a species under special protection in Belgium that depends on clean standing water for breeding. Alongside these amphibians, Bomputten supports wetland vegetation such as water plantain and water violet, along with other plants typical of pond and ditch margins.

Can visitors access Bomputten?

Yes, the reserve is open to the public. It makes for a quiet destination for anyone who enjoys nature walks, and its layered history adds an extra dimension for visitors interested in WWII heritage — the combination of the two makes Bomputten a distinctive spot near Vilvoorde and Zemst, an uncommon example of a place where traces of wartime conflict became the foundation for biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Bomputten located? On the border between Houtem (Vilvoorde) and Eppegem (Zemst), in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium.

How large is the reserve? It covers approximately 17 hectares.

Who manages the site? The reserve is managed by Natuurpunt.

Why does Bomputten have so many ponds? They formed in the craters left by World War II bombing raids aimed at factories in Vilvoorde, supplemented by natural depressions in the terrain.

What wildlife can visitors look out for? Mainly three newt species, including the rare great crested newt, alongside other wetland-dependent species.

Is entry free? Yes, the reserve is open to the public at no cost.