The Viersels Break

The Viersels Gebroekt is part of the Kleine Nete valley and is located along the Tappelbeek and the Klein Beek on the territory of the municipality of Zandhoven and on the border with the municipality of Ranst. To address local flooding and enhance the ecological value of the valley, the province, in collaboration with Natuurpunt, has implemented a number of interventions along the Tappelbeek and the Klein Beek.

This area, protected under the European Habitat Directive, is home to several special species such as the river lamprey and the little mud loach. The province places high importance on biodiversity and aims to promote the habitats of these fish species as effectively as possible. Additionally, it seeks to improve the interaction between the streams and the surrounding grasslands (the so-called 'meadows') and create optimal conditions for as many plant and animal species as possible. By excavating the raised banks of the Tappelbeek and the Klein Beek, the province created gradual transitions from water to land. These transitions are very attractive to birds.

These measures also serve as sustainable solutions to waterlogging. To protect the homes and infrastructure within the natural valley area of the Gebroekt from issues during heavy rainfall, for example, an old fish pond was transformed into a swamp and an old arm of the Klein Beek was reconnected.

Due to these and other structural interventions, both the water retention function and the natural values in this zone have significantly improved. A beaver couple has been residing in the Viersels Gebroekt for several years now.

Veleau | Fietsen langs water