Itterbeek

The Itterbeek channels its water to the Maas, albeit via a detour through the Netherlands. Along the way, the water from the Itterbeek, which springs from the Kempen Plateau (in Neerglabbeek), receives water from the Eetsevelderbeek or Wijshagenbeek. The Itterbeek crosses the Zuid-Willemsvaart, but underground. Here and there, there is also springing groundwater that contributes to the water level and the color. This seepage water came into contact with iron-rich sand layers, thus creating the rust-colored bottom and banks of the streams. In the valley of the Itterbeek, areas with very diverse nature developed, from very wet and boggy to poor and dry. You will find wet marshes with alders, meadows with wooded edges and ponds, hay meadows, deciduous forests mainly of oaks and birches, planted coniferous forests, and stately oak avenues. It is mainly the wettest parts that have been spared from exploitation, so that you can now 'hear' the exceptional silence there. However, there was already very early human activity in the vicinity of the Itterbeek. This is evidenced by the water mills that have steadily done their work for centuries with the help of simple water power.

Lannoo