Nature in Belgium

Forests of Brabant National Park

Overijse

Brabantse Wouden National Park (Forests of Brabant National Park) is one of Belgium's youngest national parks, spanning the province of Flemish Brabant near towns such as Overijse. The park was officially designated in October 2023, following a multi-year selection process run by the Flemish regional government to protect one of the largest surviving old-growth forest complexes in this part of Europe. What forests make up the park? The core of the park consists of three centuries-old forest complexes: Meerdaal Forest (Meerdaalwoud), Halle Forest (Hallerbos), and the renowned Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud). Together with surrounding fields, meadows and river valleys, these woodlands cover roughly 46,000 hectares, making the park the largest natural and green area in the whole of Flemish Brabant. More than 20,000 monumental beech and oak trees grow within its boundaries, some of them several centuries old. Which rivers run through the park? The landscape is shaped by three meandering rivers: the Dijle, the IJse and the Laan. Their valleys, together with numerous sunken lanes and ravines known locally as holle wegen, give the park a rolling, uneven relief that sets it apart from the mostly flat terrain typical of the Flemish lowlands. Why is the Sonian Forest so significant? Parts of the Sonian Forest within the park have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as part of a transnational listing covering ancient and primeval beech forests across Europe. These sections, with their tall, cathedral-like beech stands and remarkably open understorey, draw the largest number of visitors seeking tranquility close to major cities such as Brussels and Leuven. What can visitors do in the park? A dense network of walking and cycling trails links the three main forest complexes, offering opportunities for birdwatching, walks among centuries-old trees, and scenic rides through open fields and river valleys. The park's terrain has also hosted major sporting events, including championship-level gravel cycling races, underscoring how well developed its trail infrastructure is for cyclists. Why does the park matter for the region? The creation of Brabantse Wouden National Park was intended not only to protect nature but also to bring coordinated management to nature tourism in one of Belgium's most densely populated regions. National park status has given the area a unified governance structure, a shared identity, and dedicated resources for the ongoing protection of its old-growth forests, waterways and habitats. Frequently asked questions When was the park established? Brabantse Wouden National Park was officially designated in October 2023. Which forests form the core of the park? The park's core consists of Meerdaal Forest, Halle Forest and the Sonian Forest. How large is the park? The park covers approximately 46,000 hectares of forests, fields, meadows and river valleys. Does the park include any UNESCO sites? Yes, part of the Sonian Forest is included in a transnational UNESCO World Heritage listing of ancient beech forests. Which towns lie near the park? The park borders Overijse and is also close to Brussels and Leuven.

Semois Valley National Park

Auby-sur-Semois

Semois Valley National Park is a protected area in Wallonia, in southern Belgium, stretching across the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg. Established in 2022, it is one of only two national parks in the whole of Wallonia, a status that already marks it out as an exceptional site on the region's conservation map. Where exactly is the park located? The park lies in the vicinity of Auby-sur-Semois, at coordinates close to 49.79°N, 5.23°E. It sits on the border between two Walloon provinces, Namur and Luxembourg, following the course of the river Semois, whose valley gives the park its name. How large is Semois Valley National Park? The park covers a total area of 28,903 hectares. That is a substantial territory spanning parts of two provinces, making Semois Valley National Park one of the larger protected areas in Belgium and underlining its importance for nature conservation beyond a purely local scale. What was the park created for? The national park was established with a dual purpose. The first is protecting nature within its boundaries, preserving the valuable ecosystems of the Semois valley in as undisturbed a state as possible. The second, equally important, is developing sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to experience the region's natural qualities without harming the environment that makes them worth visiting. This twin mission, conservation paired with tourism carried out in harmony with nature, has been the foundation of the park since it was founded. Why is this park significant for Wallonia? Being one of just two national parks in all of Wallonia gives Semois Valley National Park a distinctive standing. Designating an area as a national park requires meeting strict criteria on ecological value and the scale of protection involved, which explains why so few such areas exist in the region. Founded in 2022, the park is also one of the most recent examples of Belgium's nature conservation policy in action. Frequently asked questions When was Semois Valley National Park established? The park was established in 2022. Which provinces does the park span? It extends across the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg, in Wallonia. How big is the park? The park covers an area of 28,903 hectares. How many national parks does Wallonia have? Wallonia has two national parks, and Semois Valley National Park is one of them. What is the purpose of the park? Its dual purpose is to protect nature within its territory and to develop sustainable tourism in the surrounding region.

Hoge Kempen National Park

Maasmechelen

Hoge Kempen National Park is Belgium's largest national park, located in the province of Limburg in the Flemish Region, close to the border with the Netherlands. Established in 2006, it protects an area of more than 57 km² – a sweeping mosaic of heathland, pine forest and sandy terrain that gives the park a character very different from the densely populated landscapes typical of the Low Countries. Where did this landscape come from? The park's terrain was shaped during the Ice Age. At that time, the Meuse river (Maas) carried rock material from the Ardennes and deposited it across this area in the form of boulders and gravel. Those glacially transported boulders can still be found within the park today, standing as a tangible trace of geological processes that took place thousands of years ago and offering visitors one of the more striking features to look out for while walking through the reserve. Why was this area given national park status? The park's creation in 2006 was a response to the exceptional nature found here. The heathlands and forests of Hoge Kempen form a habitat that has become rare across Belgium and much of Western Europe, where these kinds of open, sandy heath landscapes have largely disappeared under the pressure of agriculture and urban expansion. Protecting more than 57 km² of land allowed this distinctive ecosystem to be preserved in a form close to its natural state. What does the landscape look like? At the core of the park are its heathlands – open, undulating expanses that shift in color through the seasons – alongside forests dominated by pine trees, well suited to the poor, sandy soils of the region. This combination of open heath and woodland gives Hoge Kempen a varied landscape that stands in clear contrast to the agricultural land surrounding it. Where exactly is the park located? Hoge Kempen National Park lies in Limburg, one of the provinces of Belgium's Flemish Region, near towns such as Maasmechelen. Its location close to the Dutch border makes it easily accessible both for Belgian residents and for visitors coming from the neighboring Netherlands. Frequently asked questions When was Hoge Kempen National Park established? The park was founded in 2006. How large is the park? It protects an area of more than 57 km², making it the largest national park in Belgium. What defines the park's landscape? Heathland and forest dominate the terrain, with boulders carried from the Ardennes by the Meuse river during the Ice Age forming a notable feature. Where is the park located? In the province of Limburg, in Belgium's Flemish Region, near the border with the Netherlands. Is this kind of landscape common in Belgium? No – the scale and character of Hoge Kempen's heathland and sandy forest are rare in this part of Europe, which was one of the key reasons the area was granted national park protection.

Beislovenpark

Strijpen

Beislovenpark is a compact yet richly designed nature park in Strijpen, a district of the town of Zottegem in East Flanders, Belgium. It stretches along the banks of the Bettelhovebeek stream and covers roughly two hectares. When was the park created and where does it stand today? Beislovenpark is a relatively young addition to the local green space network — construction began in 2017, and the park officially opened to the public in 2018. That makes it one of the more recently designed parks in the region, built with contemporary priorities in mind: nature education, family-friendly recreation, and support for local biodiversity. What makes this park stand out? The defining feature of Beislovenpark is its varied terrain. Designers made deliberate use of natural elevation differences across three distinct soil types, turning a walk through a fairly small area into a surprisingly varied experience. Rather than neat, formal pathways, the park embraces a natural character — routes wind between tree trunks, wooden walkways, and nature-inspired play elements. Highlights for visitors include: natural play features built around tree trunks and wooden structures, a traditional orchard planted with old fruit tree varieties, a bee hotel supporting local pollinators, a food forest combining edible plants with a naturalistic woodland layout, a vegetable garden open to residents, a pond that serves as a habitat for local aquatic wildlife, an amphitheater used for gatherings and outdoor events. How does it connect to the neighboring Egmontpark? One of the most interesting aspects of Beislovenpark is its direct link to the adjacent Egmontpark and Egmont Castle, both located on the opposite bank of the Bettelhovebeek. The two parks are joined by wooden footbridges and stepping stones laid across the streambed, allowing visitors to move freely between the two green spaces and experience them as a single, continuous walking route. Who is this park for? Beislovenpark is particularly appealing to families with children, thanks to its natural play elements, close contact with water, and varied terrain that invites active exploration while introducing kids to local nature. Adult visitors will find it a quiet spot for a walk, birdwatching by the pond, or simply resting in the shade of the orchard trees. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the park free? The park is a publicly accessible green space, in line with typical municipal parks in Belgium. Can a visit be combined with a trip to Egmont Castle? Yes — wooden footbridges and stepping-stone crossings over the Bettelhovebeek connect Beislovenpark directly to the neighboring Egmontpark and the grounds around Egmont Castle. What sets this park apart from a typical city park? The combination of naturally varied terrain across three different soil types with educational features such as a food forest and a bee hotel makes Beislovenpark distinct from more conventionally landscaped municipal parks. Where exactly is the park located? The park is located in Strijpen, a district of Zottegem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium.

De Averegten

Heist-op-den-Berg

De Averegten De Averegten is a provincial green domain in Heist-op-den-Berg, in the Belgian province of Antwerp, covering roughly 100 to 118 hectares. Its landscape is defined by a natural mix of deciduous woodland, meadows, ditches and ponds, so the scenery shifts constantly as you move through it. What is the history behind this site? The area was originally part of the estate belonging to Isschot Castle. During the period when it served as the castle's surroundings, it functioned as a pleasure garden and hunting ground — the historic castle ponds have survived to this day, although the castle itself remains privately owned and lies outside the boundaries of the current provincial domain. The walking forest in its present form was laid out in the 1970s, and the site gained official status as a provincial domain in the 1990s. What can visitors do here? The domain offers five different walking routes ranging from about 1.2 to 3.3 kilometres, making it one of the more extensive walking areas in the region. The longest, the green route at 3.3 km, is surfaced with dolomite gravel and can be used in any weather, including by wheelchair users. Facilities include a picnic meadow, an animal pasture, a play area and a strict nature reserve zone. Along the walking routes visitors pass a brasserie with an outdoor playground, a botanical garden, a natural playground called "Hobbeldonk", playing fields and a small children's farm. What makes the botanical garden here special? One of the distinctive features of De Averegten is its botanical garden, whose story begins in the former polder village of Oorderen. When that village disappeared in the middle of the 20th century due to the expansion of the Port of Antwerp, René Vertommen (1920–2011) brought his garden along with him to Heist-op-den-Berg, where it still forms part of the domain today. What wildlife lives in the domain? The site is a breeding ground for several bird species, including barn owls, little owls and long-eared owls. In the wooded sections, signs of foxes, polecats, stoats, weasels and large-eared bats can be found. Where is the entrance located? The official entrance, together with the reception building, is located at Boonmarkt 4a, 2220 Heist-op-den-Berg. Frequently asked questions How many walking routes does De Averegten have? Five marked routes ranging from about 1.2 to 3.3 km, including one route accessible to wheelchair users. Is there anything for children at De Averegten? Yes — a play area, the natural playground "Hobbeldonk", playing fields and a small children's farm. Was the site once part of a castle estate? Yes, De Averegten originally belonged to the Isschot Castle estate and served as a pleasure garden and hunting ground; the historic castle ponds still remain today. Where does the domain's botanical garden come from? It was relocated from the former village of Oorderen, which disappeared due to the expansion of the Port of Antwerp, by René Vertommen.

Waggelwaterpark

Brugia

Waggelwaterpark is a small nature area on the western edge of Bruges, in the Sint-Andries district. Covering just under 7 hectares, it sits wedged between an industrial zone and a bend in the canal connecting Bruges to Ostend. The site combines the role of a local recreational green space with that of a valuable habitat for water birds and wetland vegetation. What can you find in Waggelwaterpark? The heart of the area is a partly silted-up former arm of the canal, which has gradually turned into a fishing pond. At the same time, it serves as a breeding ground for waterfowl, making the park an interesting stop for birdwatchers. The wooded banks around the pond have been adapted for walkers and hold considerable natural value, with trees and shrubs typical of the damp waterside landscapes of Flanders. Paths run along the dykes that border the site, offering views over spring flora when the first blooms appear, along with opportunities to watch water birds along the way. A small wooded section within the park doubles as a play area for children among the trees — an unusual combination of natural woodland and play space that skips artificial playground equipment in favour of the forest setting itself. Where does the name Waggelwater come from? The origin of the name Waggelwater comes with more than one story. One version links it to a brewery and café said to have operated in the area around 1860. Locals nicknamed the inn "Waggelwater" because patrons who had had one too many would leave the premises staggering — "waggelen" being the Dutch verb for wobbling or swaying unsteadily. Historical records, however, show the name already appearing in documents from 1811 as the name of a small hamlet. By 1821, an inn bearing the name Waggelwater is recorded on the site, and by 1838 a glue factory was operating there as well. This suggests the name most likely predates the colourful tale of unsteady tavern-goers, even though that anecdote remains the most widely repeated explanation in local tradition. How do you get to Waggelwaterpark? The area borders the Waggelwater Park & Ride car park, located on Waggelwaterstraat just off the roundabout exit signposted for Sint-Jan hospital. The car park has room for around 195 vehicles plus a number of bicycle lockers, making it a practical starting point for drivers and cyclists alike who want to leave their car on the edge of the city and continue into central Bruges on foot or by public transport. The nearest bus stop, Brugge Post, is about 400 metres from the entrance to Waggelwater, providing an easy connection to the rest of the city. Frequently asked questions Is Waggelwaterpark suitable for a walk with children? Yes — the wooded section adapted as a play area makes it a family-friendly spot, combining contact with nature with space for children to play freely among the trees. Can you go birdwatching at Waggelwaterpark? Yes, the former canal arm now functions as a pond and breeding site for waterfowl, making the area worthwhile for birdwatching enthusiasts. Is there parking nearby? Yes, the free Waggelwater Park & Ride car park sits right next to the site, with space for around 195 cars and additional bicycle lockers.

Hof ter Musschen Park

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert - Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe

Hof ter Musschen Park Hof ter Musschen is a ten-hectare nature park in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe), one of Brussels' municipalities, wrapped around a historic farmstead of the same name. Step in and the city quickly gives way to marshland, wet meadows and an old windmill — a glimpse of the countryside that once surrounded the Belgian capital. Where does the name come from? Hof ter Musschen translates roughly as "Sparrow Farm." The site itself is a former farmstead whose origins likely go back to the 15th century. It was rebuilt and expanded in 1741, and over the following centuries it changed hands repeatedly. Who owned the farm over the centuries? Under French rule the property belonged to the Prince de Ligne. In 1836 it passed to the Count d'Oultremont, who sold it in 1896 to the Du Pré-Evenepoel couple. The farm remained a working agricultural operation until 1979, known in particular for breeding Brabant draft horses. What happened to it in the 1990s? In 1990 the municipality granted a 40-year long-term lease to the airline NV SABENA, in exchange for a full renovation of the buildings. Restoration work began in 1993 and wrapped up a year later. On 20 October 1994 the beautifully restored farm reopened, and SABENA established its corporate headquarters there. Following the airline's bankruptcy in November 2001, the future of the site was left uncertain — it wasn't until 19 December 2006 that NV Hof ter Musschen bought out the long-term lease from SABENA's bankruptcy estate. What can visitors see in the park today? The grounds around the farm form a semi-natural site of about ten hectares, classified since 1994 for its high biological value. It includes marshland, wet meadows and wooded areas, alongside the Brabant farmhouse and windmill — together forming a kind of open-air museum of the rural landscape that once surrounded greater Brussels. It's a rare chance, within city limits, to see a slice of countryside as it looked before urban expansion took over. Who is this park for? The park mainly draws people looking for a quiet walk away from the urban bustle, birdwatchers, and anyone interested in the region's agricultural history and rural architecture. The mix of wetland and woodland habitats also makes it a worthwhile stop for those curious about local flora and fauna. Frequently asked questions Is Hof ter Musschen just a park, or also a historic building? Both — the name refers to the historic farmstead itself as well as the surrounding green area, which today functions as a protected nature site. Is the farm still used for agriculture? No, farming activity ended in 1979. The buildings now serve other purposes, and the surrounding land is protected for its ecological value. What else is on site besides the meadows? Alongside the wet meadows and wooded areas, the site includes a historic Brabant farmhouse and a windmill, forming a small historic architectural ensemble. Where exactly is the park located? The park lies in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe), one of the nineteen municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Het Vinne

Zoutleeuw

Het Vinne is a provincial nature domain covering roughly 130 hectares, located on the eastern edge of the town of Zoutleeuw, in a depression within the valley of the Kleine Gete river, in the Haspengouw (Hesbaye) region. At its center lies a lake considered the only natural inland lake in Flanders, making the site a distinctive landmark on the map of Belgian nature areas. Where did the lake come from? The basin-shaped depression that now holds the lake was formed as a remnant of erosion during the last ice age. Over time this natural bowl filled with water from streams and rainfall, gradually creating the lake as it exists today. Was Het Vinne once a peat bog? For a long time it was believed that the lake resulted from medieval peat extraction. Research by KU Leuven overturned this assumption, confirming instead that Het Vinne functioned historically as a fish pond. The peat-bog misconception traced back to a mistranslation of a marriage document connected to the children of the Brabantine Duke Jan I and the English King Edward I, dated 1290. What happened to the lake in the 19th and 20th centuries? In 1841 the lake was drained using a pump. Around 1930 the area was planted with poplar trees, whose wood was used to produce the well-known Union brand matchsticks. It wasn't until 1974 that the province purchased 95 hectares of the Vinne area, intending to develop it as a nature recreation domain. A turning point came in 2004, when the province permanently switched off the drainage pumps — the water regained its natural freedom, and Het Vinne returned to being the lake it originally was. What kind of nature lives around the lake? The area is known for an enormous diversity of water-bound flora and fauna. Het Vinne serves as an important stopover and wintering site for waterfowl, herons, and other species tied to marshland habitats, drawing birdwatchers throughout the year. How can visitors explore Het Vinne? The domain can be explored via a network of walking trails, boardwalks (knuppelpaths) laid over wetland sections, observation towers, and dedicated bird-watching points and shelters. Four themed walking routes circle the lake, catering to different visitor interests. Het Vinne is freely accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset, making it a convenient destination for both a short walk and a longer nature outing. Frequently asked questions Is Het Vinne the only site of its kind in Flanders? Yes, it is recognized as the only natural inland lake in the Flanders region, setting it apart from other bodies of water in Belgium. Is there an entrance fee? No, the domain is freely accessible year-round, from sunrise to sunset, without an entry fee. How far back does the site's documented history go? Documented history dates back to the 13th century (a reference from 1290), with the site later serving as a fish pond, being drained for agricultural and timber use, and finally returning to its natural state in 2004. What bird species can be observed here? Het Vinne is an important stopover and wintering ground for waterfowl and herons, with dedicated observation towers and viewing points making birdwatching easier.

Sulferberg

Westouter

Sulferberg is a small hill and nature reserve in the municipality of Heuvelland, right next to the village of Westouter in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. Its summit reaches roughly 88 metres, which makes it a noticeable rise in the otherwise gently rolling Westhoek landscape. The reserve sits in the border area between Westouter and Reningelst, along Sulferbergstraat. What is the Sulferberg nature reserve? The protected area was established relatively recently, in 1980. It consists of a small spring forest together with meadowland, a combination that gives the site particular botanical value — the mix of damp woodland and open grassy patches is what draws nature enthusiasts looking for a quieter, less altered landscape. Nearby lies Brandersbos, another patch of woodland forming part of the same natural complex. How can you visit Sulferberg? Entry to the reserve is free, making it an easy destination for a short outing. The most straightforward way to explore the area is the Tweebergen walking route, which starts in the village of Westouter itself. Visitors who prefer to plan their own itinerary can rely on the wider Heuvelland walking network, which allows routes to be combined and extended, for instance to take in more of the region's characteristic small hills. Sulferberg is also known among road cyclists as a short but noticeable climb: about 1.1 km long, with roughly 87 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient around 3%. That has been enough for the hill to feature occasionally in cycling routes through Heuvelland, a region famous for its short, steep climbs used in road races. What should you know before visiting? Given the terrain — forest and low-lying meadow — sturdy footwear is worth having, especially after rain. The area has little built tourist infrastructure on site, no large car parks or dedicated catering, and for many visitors that is precisely the appeal: the site has kept a small-scale, natural character. It pairs well with other stops in Heuvelland, a region built around a network of walking and cycling trails threading between its modest hills. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the Sulferberg nature reserve free? Yes, visiting the reserve costs nothing. How do you get to Sulferberg? The reserve lies along Sulferbergstraat in Westouter, within the municipality of Heuvelland. The easiest access is via the Tweebergen walking route, which starts in Westouter village. How high is Sulferberg? The summit reaches an elevation of about 88 metres. What can you do at Sulferberg? Mainly hiking through the spring forest and meadows on marked trails; cyclists also use the hill as a short, demanding climb within the broader Heuvelland trail network. When was the reserve established? The protected area was created in 1980.

Vrieselhof

Ranst

Vrieselhof is a provincial green domain in Oelegem, a village within the municipality of Ranst, sitting on the border between the Antwerp region and the Kempen. The estate stretches through the valley of the Groot Schijn river and combines a historic castle, an extensive landscaped park, and woodland and grassland areas open to walkers and cyclists. Where does the name Vrieselhof come from? The name dates back to the 14th century, when the nobleman Jan van Vriesele bought a piece of land here for his daughter. The estate changed hands several times over the centuries but remarkably kept its original name throughout. How did the van Halmale family shape the park? For a long stretch of its history the estate belonged to the van Halmale family, whose members served as mayors of Antwerp. Around 1750, Alphons-Ignace van Halmale had the park redesigned into a layout that has largely survived to this day, featuring tree-lined avenues, wooded sections, and a romantic pond. He died without children, and after the French Revolution the estate was sold. What happened to the castle during the First World War? The castle of the Vrieselhof domain was completely destroyed during the First World War. It was rebuilt afterward by Count de Brouckhoven de Bergeyck in a style inspired by the neo-Flemish Renaissance. When did Vrieselhof become a public domain? In 1974 the province of Antwerp purchased the estate from Count Daniël de Brouckhoven de Bergeyck and two unmarried sisters from his family. The park opened to the public on 1 May 1975, though the count and his family were allowed to keep living on the site until the end of that year. The province was drawn to the scenic setting and natural beauty of this unique corner of the Schijn valley and wanted to turn it into a public domain for walkers and cyclists. What is the castle building used for today? After the province took over, the castle building served several purposes over time, housing a Textile Museum and later a Centre for Library Studies. Today it is home to organizations focused on nature conservation and heritage. In 2020, large-scale nature development works were carried out with European and Flemish support to turn the domain into a natural water buffer. What walking routes does the park offer? The domain has three marked walking routes of 1.5 km, 2 km, and 3 km, identifiable by colored trail markers on wooden posts. The terrain combines forest, grassland, and heathland, and its position at the meeting point of the Antwerp region and the Kempen gives it a varied natural landscape. What is there for children visiting the domain? Families with children can choose from several options: the adventurous Oelepad trail, the discovery tour "Heroes of the Animal Woods," a dice game, and a play forest. In the Sterbos, just behind the castle, children can play freely among the trees. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Vrieselhof located? The domain is located at Schildesteenweg 95 in Oelegem, a village that is part of the municipality of Ranst, in the province of Antwerp. Are there picnic spots or food facilities in the park? Yes, the domain has food and drink facilities as well as designated picnic spots spread across different areas of the park. Is entry to the park free? The domain is open from sunrise to sunset; for details on any charges for specific activities, it's best to contact the domain directly by phone at +32 3 312 98 78 or by email at [email protected]. What makes Vrieselhof different from other castle parks in the Antwerp region? Its history stretches back to the 14th century and includes centuries under the van Halmale family, the complete destruction of the castle during the First World War, and its postwar reconstruction in neo-Flemish Renaissance style — combining a layered historical background with the role of a modern nature and recreation area.

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.