Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten

This canal, which is part of a network of Kempen canals, was built between 1846 and 1875 (starting in Rijkevorsel in 1864) and forms the connection between Dessel and Schoten.
The Kempen canals were not only dug as a transport route between the Meuse and the Scheldt. Another important function was the irrigation of the poor sandy soil of the Kempen with the calcareous water of the Meuse.
The canal was mainly used by shipping, but nature development and recreation will play an increasingly important role. The ecological function of the canal should not be underestimated.
Some data:
Channel length: 63.3 km
Channel width: 18 to 20 m
Channel depth: 2.5 m
The canal is navigable for ships up to 600 tons.

Fish stock
Due to the fairly good quality of the canal water, you can find about 17 species of fish here. In the riparian zone, for example, rudd and roach can be found. Near aquatic plants you can also find tench and pike. In open water, the eel (a bottom fish) and the zander can also be found. Furthermore, the canal is populated by carp, bream, alver and bindweed, among others.

Trees and shrubs
Next to the towpath, tall trees such as the beech and pedunculate oak were planted. They were able to catch the wind for the ships. With a view to expanding the fish stock, the planting of willow and black alder is now being promoted. Fish deposit their eggs on the roots of these trees. In the wooded edges behind we find, among other things, the rattle poplar, the monostyle hawthorn and the elder. The trees, together with the shrubs, not only form a real windbreak, but also a green ribbon in the landscape.

Riparian and verge plants
Canal verges are linear natural elements that form important connecting routes for various plants and animals. The contact between the calcareous water of the Meuse and the sandy soil of the Kempen contributes to a rich vegetation. On the banks, for example, yellow iris, net, wolf's paw, cattail and bittersweet thrive. Various herbaceous species find a suitable biotope on the roadsides. In spring, for example, we notice the yellow bloom of the gorse. We also find the large hogweed, wild carrot, ferns and various thistle species.

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