The 'Scots pine' in the domain of Hertberg

When the de Merode family sold their 1,500-hectare estate in 2004, Hertberg was purchased by three partners: Agentschap Natuur en Bos, the province of Antwerp and Kempens Landschap vzw.
Geographically, the domain is located at the junction of the Kempen and Hageland. We find some iron sandstone hills formed from the Diestiaan Sea.
Hertberg consists mainly of a monoculture of coniferous forests, but is gradually transformed into a varied area with deciduous forest, coniferous forest, heathland, dune, fen and transitional situations. For example, open spaces were created where heathland can develop and the fens were also restored.
The tree that determines the view is the 'Scots pine'. This tree species is not really native. It was not until the 16th century that the tree was introduced to the Kempen via Germany, Diest and Breda. Especially during the Austrian rule in the 18th century, the pine was planted en masse on the heath. This was not to the liking of farmers and shepherds for whom the heath did have an economic significance. From the 19th century, the wood was mainly used for mining as struts for the corridors. Today, the pine no longer has any economic significance and the forests are partly converted to mixed wood, partly cut down to give the heathland a chance again.

Jan Rymenams