Nature areas around Mechelen
The Oude Dijlearm: Den Battelaer - Het Robbroek - Zennegat Sigma region - Battenbroek
Mechelen: Large terrain - Between 50 and 100 hectares
Den Battelaer is an ancient floodplain between the Zenne and the Leuven-Dijle canal. If you follow the water from Mechelen, you will arrive at the three-rivers point where the Zenne, Leuven-Dijle canal and Dijle merge. There you will find a valley under which Den Battelaer extends, an ancient flood plain that is a habitat for numerous plants and animals, including the bluethroat, reed warbler, gadwall and water forget-me-nots. GGG Zennegat is a tidal Sigma flood plain, a real spectacle and a place to spot rare migratory birds. Robbroek , a former swamp, is drained by means of ditches and cross ditches and boasts a large variety of marsh and reed birds (wild duck, winter teal, moorhen, grasshopper warbler, bluethroat) and birds of prey (buzzard, sparrowhawk). Although the bustling city of Mechelen is close by, with every step you will find yourself a little further away from civilisation. Battenbroek is a nature reserve of 25 hectares between the Nete and Dijle rivers. For centuries, this environment served as an agricultural polder area, until the 20th century when the meadows, fields and marshland areas were copiously planted with poplars.
Mechels river region: Mechels Broek - Barebeek valley - Mispeldonk
Bonheiden: Very large terrain - More than 100 hectares
The Mechels Broek, Barebeek valley and Mispeldonk together form a large expanse of nature along the Dijle. You can walk alongside the water and enjoy a vast landscape of grasslands, ditches, willows and wooded borders. In Mechels Broek, a green lung right near the city that you can reach from the centre via the peaceful Dijlepad, you can spot birds from the lookout tower and the bird hide. Galloway cattle graze the meadows into a natural patchwork quilt. Barebeek valley offers a vast and varying landscape. This area is suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs because the paths are paved. Here you can discover, among other things, why the storks of Planckendael get their food from these wet meadows. Mispeldonk is located between Muizen and the centre of Bonheiden. It is a particularly varied nature reserve with lean grasslands, hay meadows with wooded borders, moist deciduous forests and restored heathlands. The Boeimeer brook meanders through that landscape.
Waverwoud: Hondsbossen, Gasthuisbossen, Vossenbergbos, Zuurbossen, Brede Zeyp
Bonheiden: Very large terrain - More than 100 hectares
In the early Middle Ages, Waverwoud extended between the Nete and Dijle. It consisted of fens, forests, and open, heath-like expanses. What’s left of the forest is still steeped in the magic of yesteryear. For example, you can discover the unique spots in Hondsbossen, Gasthuisbossen, Brede Zeyp and Vossenbergbos. Make the most of the peace and tranquillity. Who knows, you might spot an owl, or a roe deer might just cross your path. Get ready to be amazed by the beauty of the Waverwoud nature reserve.
