Heather in bloom

“From the end of the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century, the Kempen consisted of gigantic heathlands. On the wild grounds between the settlements, the inhabitants let their sheep graze. They collected heath hay and cut heath sods as bedding for the stalls where the cattle stayed overnight. The barn manure was brought to the small fields every year as fertilizer. We are trying to restore that landscape on a small scale as best as possible.”

“Heathland is attractive to many animals. Among others, the nightjar loves the mixture of heath and forest. And quite a few insects like sand beetles and sand bees are fans of the warm heathlands. By the way, did you know that more than 140 species of bees have been spotted in Landscape De Liereman? We have recently been recognized as a bee reserve. Landscape De Liereman has also been mentioned several times as one of the most beautiful heath areas in Flanders. In August, we organize free walks through the heath every Sunday.”

Hanna Van Thienen