The Demer between Aarschot and Betekom

Here, the Demer has already travelled a road of more than 75 km from its source and is only about seven kilometres from its mouth in Werchter. The Demer was an important transport artery for a long time until the First World War, but the irregular flow of the river, the dense rail and tram network and also the Leuven canal were just as many causes of the decline. Already in the 18th century, river meanders were cut off and the 'coupures' were created, as you can still see from here on the other side at the castle of Nieuwland. Boats were pulled upstream by the boat tractors. Every village had its guild. And each village also had its 'amer', a mooring place for loading and unloading goods. The 'amerbeemd' here refers to that. After the 1970s, the dikes were raised and cycle paths were built. Because the verges are only mowed once a year, flowery edges are created, which are a feast for the eyes, especially in early summer. The waste from the sugar factory in Tienen, the chemical industry in Tessenderlo, sewage water and other dirty discharges caused the river to become heavily polluted during its prosperity after the Second World War. The Celtic origin of the name, namely Tamara meaning 'black water', became an inconvenient truth. Thanks to a visionary development plan, life in and around the river is recovering and it is pleasant to relax in its vicinity.

Jan Rymenams