Itterbeek

The Itterbeek cedes its water to the Meuse, albeit via a detour through the Netherlands. Along the way, the water of the Itterbeek, which rises on the Kempens Plateau (in Neerglabbeek) and receives water from the Eetsevelderbeek or Wijshagenbeek along the way, is supplemented by that of the Eetsevelderbeek or Wijshagenbeek. The Itterbeek crosses the Zuid-Willemsvaart, but underground. Here and there there is also bubbling groundwater that contributes to the water level and colour. This seepage water came into contact with iron-rich sand layers and thus provides the rust-colored soil and banks of the streams. In the valley of the Itterbeek, areas developed with a very varied nature, from very wet and peat to poor and dry. Here you will find wet swamps with alders, meadows with wooded edges and pools, hay meadows, deciduous forests with mainly oaks and birches, planted coniferous forests and stately oak avenues. It is mainly the wettest parts that have been spared from reclamation, so that you can now 'hear' the exceptional silence. Nevertheless, there was human activity in the vicinity of the Itterbeek very early on. This is evidenced by the watermills that for centuries steadily did their work with the help of simple water power.

Lannoo