De Beemden

De Beemden is a small but remarkably rich nature reserve and recreational area in Landen, a town in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. Covering roughly 7 hectares, it packs in several distinct habitats — from ponds to spontaneous willow groves — making it one of the last refuges for wild plants and animals in a region otherwise dominated by farmland.

Where does the name come from and what is the site's history?

The name "Beemden" refers to the area's original use: since at least the Middle Ages, and certainly from the 17th century onward, residents of the nearby villages of Attenhoven and Rumsdorp cut hay from these wet valley meadows. The landscape changed significantly in the 1960s, when seven ponds were dug — these now form the core of the reserve. The site was formally recognized as a nature reserve in 1990, and it officially opened to visitors on 26 May 1991. The land is owned by the city of Landen, while day-to-day management is handled by Natuurpunt, Belgium's largest nature conservation organization.

Where exactly is De Beemden located?

The reserve stretches along the valley of two small watercourses, the Zeype and the Molenbeek (also known locally as the Dormaalbeek). It's precisely this damp valley setting that has allowed such a variety of habitats to survive on such a small footprint of land.

What kind of nature can visitors expect?

Within this compact area, six distinct biotopes have developed — an unusually high number for such a heavily farmed and built-up region. Small willow woodlands have sprung up spontaneously between the ponds, providing nesting sites for woodpeckers and golden orioles, the latter known for their fluting song and the males' vivid yellow plumage. The pond water has stayed relatively clean, supporting a wide range of aquatic life: water beetles, including the great diving beetle, along with dragonflies and fish. Kingfishers are regular hunters here too, easily spotted thanks to their striking metallic-blue plumage.

What can you do at De Beemden?

The site combines its role as a nature reserve with a recreational one. Well-maintained trails run along the ponds for shorter strolls, while longer walking routes are also available year-round. That makes De Beemden equally suited to a quick after-work walk or a longer outing focused on birdwatching. The recreational section also permits fishing throughout the year.

Who is this destination best suited for?

De Beemden appeals mainly to people looking for a quiet walk surrounded by water and greenery, to birdwatchers, and to anglers after a low-key fishing spot close to the center of Landen. Given its modest size, the reserve works best as an hour-or-two stop rather than a full day trip — but in that short time it offers a surprising density of biodiversity for such a small piece of land.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for De Beemden? No. The site is a public nature reserve and recreational area managed on behalf of the city of Landen, so walking the marked trails is free.

Can you go fishing at De Beemden? Yes, fishing is permitted year-round in the recreational part of the area.

What birds can be spotted here? Species nesting in the willow groves and around the ponds include woodpeckers and golden orioles, while kingfishers can regularly be seen hunting over the water.

When did the reserve officially open? The area was recognized as a protected nature reserve in 1990, and it officially opened to the public on 26 May 1991.