Galloway cattle at the Bornebeek

The grazing of Galloway cattle is an important control activity in this conservation area. Nature management stimulates the development of the various habitats in the area. The cattle have a gentle character and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are the ideal grazers to graze the heathland and create open spaces. This gives you a mixture of forest and heathland: ' the wooded heath'. This habitat type is an excellent biotope for rare birds such as the tree pager and tree lark.
The Bornebeek originates in Beernem in the Bulskampveld Provincial Domain (near the Heideveld-Bornebeek Nature Reserve) and flows into the Gent-Bruges canal. Due to its relatively low level of pollution, it is one of the top creeks in the region. Among other things, the legally protected Bermpje is still present.

In collaboration with the West Flanders provincial government, the downstream part of Bornebeek is managed in a nature-friendly way. No cranes are used here to clear the creek or to ride the stream, which means that the creekbeds and the creekbanks have a natural character. This guarantees a higher nature value. The province is working on a plan to stimulate nature values in and along the Bornebeek along its entire length.

Willem Vandenameele