The Zuurbunder

The Zuurbunder

In earlier times, the peat (= nut) that had formed here and there was excavated to use as fuel. Witnesses of peat extraction in the Broekelei are the numerous ponds and peated wells along the Spuibeek, created between 1770 and 1850. The Zuurbunder, which belonged to the church in 1770, was sold in 1771 by the pastor De Bisschop to a certain H. Claes for 400 guilders. With this money the "Van Peteghem" organ was purchased. Organ concerts are still given on this organ in the Sint-Michielskerk in Keerbergen today.

Around 1900 the "Sibinder" was dredged every year. This is where the otter occurred, which testifies to clear and fish-rich waters. The last otter report in the Broekelei dates from 1942.

In 2012, Natuurpunt bought one of the three ponds at 't Sibinder, the Zuurbunder, in the Broekelei. The pond was dredged and redesigned as an amphibian pool. It is a nature educational pool where the Keerberg school-age youth learn about aquatic life, frogs, toads, salamanders, dragonflies and the colorful kingfisher.

Bart Denayer