De Most

De Most is a nature area in the municipality of Balen, in Belgium's Antwerp province, spread across the valley of the Grote Nete river near the hamlet of Gerheide. The protected zone currently covers 132 hectares and forms part of the Natura 2000 network under the name "Bovenloop van de Grote Nete met Zammelsbroek, Langdonken en Goor," underlining its recognized value for biodiversity conservation at a European level.

How did the De Most landscape take shape?

The area was originally a marshy, waterlogged stretch of the Grote Nete valley. In the second half of the 19th century, two drainage channels — the Grote Hoofdgracht and the Kleine Hoofdgracht — were dug to make the land usable. Once drained, oak and beech avenues were planted, and around 1920 coniferous forests were added, grown specifically to supply pit props for the region's coal mining industry. As a result, the landscape visitors encounter today blends natural wetland features with clear traces of over a century of land management and economic activity.

What is the story behind the De Most castle?

Between 1876 and 1878, a small castle was built on the estate to serve as a country residence. The building still stands, though it underwent extensive renovation around 1920 that considerably altered its original appearance. One of the more striking chapters in its history dates to the Second World War, when the castle served as a hideout for the resistance movement. A bronze plaque on the grounds commemorates this period, reminding visitors of the site's role during the occupation.

What wildlife can be found in De Most?

The De Most landscape is a mosaic of meadows, hay fields, pastures, and damp thickets and alder-carr woodland typical of river valleys in this part of Belgium. This variety of habitats supports a rich bird population: common buzzards and hobbies are regularly seen, alongside barn owls hunting over the open fields. Rarer species recorded in the area include tree pipit, whinchat, and little ringed plover, making De Most a worthwhile stop for birdwatchers exploring the Kempen region.

How can visitors explore the area?

The site is managed jointly by the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos), the conservation organization Natuurpunt, and private landowners — a mixed ownership structure common to many protected areas in Belgium. A marked walking trail guides visitors through the most notable parts of the valley while keeping sensitive habitats undisturbed. De Most borders the Keiheuvel area to the north, and together the two form a larger nature complex popular with residents of Balen and the surrounding towns looking for accessible outdoor space close to home.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is De Most located? In the municipality of Balen, Antwerp province, within the Grote Nete river valley near the hamlet of Gerheide.

How large is the protected area? It covers 132 hectares and forms part of a larger Natura 2000 habitat zone.

Can visitors walk through it? Yes, a marked hiking trail leads through the meadows, thickets, and wooded sections of the reserve.

Is there anything besides nature to see on site? A small castle built in 1876–1878, which served as a resistance hideout during World War II and is commemorated with a bronze plaque.