Munckbos

The municipality of Puurs took care of the Vliet valley! The reinforcement of this stream valley system was already a main objective in the GNOP action plan (Municipal Nature Development Plan). From then on (1996) the municipality started working on this action. In the first phase, land had to be purchased. With the help of a grant from the Flemish Region through the Cooperation Agreement (50 percent), two parcels of grassland and three adjacent forest plots, together about 6 hectares, were purchased. This area, which used to be called Neerheide, is now called Munckbos. The Munckbos used to be a forest that accompanies the Vliet in the stream. The Munckbos is located north of the village center of Puurs, in the Vliet valley, and near the N16 regional road.

To increase biodiversity in the stream valley, a new meandering stream was dug through the western plot. In addition, varied banks and a swale were constructed as an overflow to the Vliet. The northern pool was made more erratic in shape, given a large swamp area and integrated into the new stream. A weir on the old course of the Neerheideloop provides a permanently raised groundwater table, which offers more opportunities for water- and marsh-bound animals and plants. The former meadow was transformed into a park landscape with hay meadows, thickets and (pollard) trees and a new mixed forest (2 ha) on the eastern plot. The small pool already present was improved by chamfering and widening the banks.

A walking route has also been constructed, with the Vlietdijk offering a natural panorama: the path mainly follows the edges, with 2 shortcuts right through the site. The landscaping of the Aquafin pumping station was also considered.

Through this ecological redevelopment of the Munckbos area, coupled with nature-oriented management, an interesting ecological and landscape added value is expected in this area. Currently, this project already provides a rainwater buffer for the separate sewerage system of Puurs-centrum, but in the longer term, additional water storage of the Vliet can also be investigated.

Due to the proximity of the Puurse village centre, in particular the Neerheide district, this nature design also has a distinct nature experience value for the passive holidaymaker. In addition, this nature development area also forms a green buffer for the N16 regional road.

The total cost of these furnishing works was estimated at 56,000 euros, but could be reduced to 31,000 euros by working in-house, with the support of the Flemish Region and Pfizer.

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