Beerse: Eksterheide, Canal Dessel-Schoten, Kievitsheide

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We took this nature walk on 24-11-2024.

The route leads through the Eksterheide nature reserve to the Dessel-Schoten canal. Along the canal, over the Zuiderdijk, to the Vlimmersebaan, which is briefly followed until you turn left into the Minnekepoespad, which leads to the Kievitsheide.

The Eksterheide is home to many rare plant and animal species, such as the black woodpecker, the nightingale, the tree pipit, the field cricket, and a small butterfly species, the colorful skipper. These species depend on heath or meadows.

The Kievitsheide was once part of the extensive Abtsheide, which encompassed more than 900 hectares in today's municipalities of Beerse, Merksplas, and Rijkevorsel. A large part of the historic "Kievit Heyde" was extracted for clay in the 19th century. The remaining parts were planted with coniferous trees. Today, the Kievitsheide is a beautiful hiking area with a play area for children and a dog zone.

Enjoy hiking,

Eddy, Rita, and Prinske