Venusberg - red - 8.9 km

Go from the dry ridges to the wet valley of the Zwarte Beek and get to know all aspects of this unique stream valley during a vigorous walk. Be sure to wear your boots, as it can get quite wet here! Discover the many gnarled oaks that are so typical of this region.
The Zwarte Beek in Limburg is one of the most ecologically valuable watercourses in Flanders. However, work is also needed there to further improve water quality and fish stocks.
The downstream section of the Zwarte Beek was straightened in the past. Weirs were constructed, which caused the connection between the watercourse and its valley to be lost. In 2017-2018, a renaturation project was carried out by the Flemish Environment Agency in collaboration with Natuurpunt.
The stream restoration project of the Zwarte Beek improved the structural quality of the watercourse over a length of more than 2.5 km. In the areas ‘Bocht van Laren’ and ‘Schurfert’, (historical) meanders were excavated again, and the straightened parts of the Zwarte Beek were (partially) filled in. This restored the flowing character of the Zwarte Beek. The alternation between inner and outer bends, along with the associated variation in flow speed, erosion, and sedimentation processes, now creates new opportunities for flow-loving fish species such as chub, brook lamprey, and other water-loving plants and animals.
The fish migration barriers in the Zwarte Beek, such as the weir at Gestelse Heide and the Gestelse mill, have been made passable for fish. In addition to improving the structure of the watercourse, the project also increased the water retention capacity of the valley and restored the landscape and ecological values in the nature reserve.