Grazing grid

Without human intervention, the heath quickly grows dense into forest and most of the plants and animals of the heath disappear irrevocably. Heathland landscapes are maintained by using them, 'managing' them, as was done for centuries: by grazing, turfing, mowing. Since 1972, sheep have been grazing on the Kalmthoutse Heide. Sheep were traditionally herded on the heath (manure, meat, milk, wool and other products). Now a herded herd is used in a very targeted way to tackle parts that are grassed with straw. Pipe straw has a short and explosive growing season. Sheep also eat saplings and thus prevent the forest from returning. In addition, they rejuvenate the heather. Galloway cattle have also been grazing in the heath for about ten years. Cattle are almost exclusively herbivores. There are two smaller herds, which are not herded and roam freely in the grounds. They are not aggressive towards hikers, but it is strongly advised not to approach them and certainly not to feed them. From mid-November, the grazers move to their winter quarters outside the heath, only to return in mid-May. During this period, there is not enough food in the heath for the grazing animals. Grazing creates a mosaic of ungrazed and intensively grazed areas, resting places where more manure is deposited, treadpaths and bare sandy patches. Such a varied pattern is beneficial for many typical animal species: woodlark, ground spiders, insects such as ground beetles and butterfly species such as greenhorn, heather blue and heather butterfly.

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos