Scheldt valley

Another relaxing nature reserve in our municipality is located in the borough of Eke. The Scheldt valley is part of a 500 ha nature reserve. On the regional plan, this area is designated as a landscape valuable agricultural area.
The evolution of the Scheldt valley and its people is linked to the works carried out there by human hands.
Especially during the winter months, the Scheldt could not cope with the swelling water mass and the valley always suffered from flooding. That is why dikes were built, locks were built and streams were dug. The Moerbeek or Coupure is an example of this. This Moerbeek forms a dividing line between the Scheldemeersen and the higher arable land.
When the floodwater receded, a layer of silt was left behind. This originally had a fruitful value for agriculture.
Afterwards, the sludge was used to manufacture brick. This gave rise to the brick kilns.
This industry is now extinct except for one brickyard, but has certainly left an indelible mark on the landscape. The many clayfish pits and marshy meadows testify to this.
Not only the Scheldt lakes were recreated, but the Scheldt itself underwent many changes. The winding Scheldt was straightened and channelled in several places. As a result, the era of flooding was completely closed and a flourishing shipping industry was established.
All these changes also gradually created a very specific fauna and flora in a halo of soothing silence.
In the guide "Exploration of the Eekse Scheldt valley" you will find an extensive historical evolution and a description of the different plant and animal species that can be found there. This guide is available at the leisure service, Village 1.

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