Kerremans Forest and Park

The 'new' Maalbeek, a tributary of the Molenbeek, has recently been opened. During heavy rainfall, excess water can end up in the retention basin that Aquafin constructed next to the Maalbeek in 2010.

The Molenbeek springs in Dilbeek, while the Maalbeek originates in Zellik. Through the works of Aquafin, the Maalbeek was disconnected from the collector and reconnected to the Molenbeek. After passing through Ganshoren and Jette, it flows through the Brussels-Capital Region, recently back in the open air in Boudewijnpark, then back underground except in the royal domain where it feeds the ponds. Ultimately, it flows into the canal.

Humans and nature have done their best here to create a beautiful aquatic habitat: the gray heron, moorhen, and coot are regulars, but the little and great egret have also been spotted here, the dabchick has bred here, and perhaps you can catch a glimpse of the kingfisher as a 'blue flash'. Reed beds, large cat's tails, and bulrushes provide necessary cover for the sedge warbler and the marsh warbler. Via the stone steps of the overflow, you can get a bit closer to the smaller aquatic fauna: tadpoles in early spring, dragonflies in the summer months.

Surrounding the basin, Natuurpunt ensures a flower-rich grassland through adapted management.

The Kerremansbos was planted in 2005. You can explore it via smaller paths. Behind the Kerremansbos lies the Kerremanspark, which provides a beautiful transition between the wild nature along the Molenbeek banks and the houses of Zellik. The neighboring business park wants to invest in nature development here! The name Kerremans refers to the last tenant of the ‘Hof te Overjette’ (Jette is the Celtic name for water, thus the Molenbeek) that stood here for centuries on the border of Jette and Zellik. At the end of the 19^th century, it was destroyed by fire.

Coördinatie Zenne-Coordination Senne