Houille Valley

This nature reserve was established in 2007 and now covers more than 35 hectares. The Houille, a winding area between flower-filled meadows, is often flown over by the water ouzel and the kingfisher. The presence of catfish, mudskippers, and even brook lampreys indicates a good quality of the watercourse. Throughout the area, you will find riparian forests, hedges, marsh forests, species-poor meadows, heathlands, and ponds: all natural habitats that support extraordinary biodiversity.

Hotspot for observing migrations

The Vallée de la Houille is worth a detour. The height is an excellent place to observe migrations. Many birds, but also butterflies, use the morphology of the sites as a migration route. Nature researchers observed 2,500 individuals of 27 different species there within a timeframe of two hours. Osprey, golden plover, black tern, hobby or atalanta… the list of passing species that can take advantage of the site's accommodation capacity is long.

Good water quality

The Houille, which winds through the meadows, provides food for fish-eating birds. Catfish, mudskippers, and even brook lampreys can also be seen, which indicates the good quality of the watercourse. The numerous landscape elements around provide a home for various animal species. Riparian forests, hedges, marsh plants, species-poor meadows, heathlands, ponds: so many mountain huts with their own characteristic features.

Different environments

In other environments, the grass is cut only late. Between these different environments lie beautiful forest paths. These are old spruce plantations that have been cut down, and where now a natural forest is growing. The beaver, on the other hand, feels right at home in the reserve. In summer, the changing little marsh near the river itself provides a spectacle. This butterfly is sunbathing on the pebbles in the middle of the brook and shines in a beautiful iridescent blue. Another unusual species. It is a forest dweller, but one that enjoys humid environments. The structure of the reserve is an ideal shelter for it.

Jan Meeusen