The Bogaerdenpad and a pomologist

You may have already noticed the arrows with 'Bogaerdenpad'. On the site, there are several signs with additional information. We read the following about this path in a brochure from the Holsbeek Tourism Service:

"The Bogaerdenberg project was established at the beginning of 2000 in collaboration with the municipality of Holsbeek, the Regional Landscape North Hageland, and IGO Leuven. The path connects the two water buffers between Langaard and Kriesberg. This forward-looking project is a response to climate change; by implementing efficient planting, we prevent soil erosion and protect lower-lying residential areas from flooding. We strive to preserve and restore the Hageland landscape to its original state, featuring hedges, traditional orchards, tree lines, and groves, while supporting threatened fauna and flora. The sandstone here is home to the lizard, there are heath strips, wild bees thrive, rare butterflies breed, and even the wasp eagle can be found.

We promote almost extinct, historical, and endangered fruit varieties to support genetic heritage in the search for new, more resilient breeds. Within twenty years, the traditional orchard at Kriesberg has grown to become one of the most beautiful and unique in our country, with more than 500 types of pears, cherries, peaches, and plums.

In 2005, the Küssnachter apple tree from Switzerland was planted, dedicated to Queen Astrid, and in 2016 it was celebrated in the presence of Prince Laurent. During this event, the Queen Astrid Walk was introduced, a relatively short walk from the village center. Noteworthy is the peace apple tree from the Dachau concentration camp of Pastor Korbinian Algner (at the gate) and an apple tree with more than 60 varieties, a Belgian Guinness record.

In the past, oaks were planted here to mark ownership. The largest is 'kastaar': according to measurements, it may be over 200 years old with a base circumference of more than 3 meters. Two other hundred-year-old oaks are located lower along the walking path near the bench, and the boundary post stands beautifully in between."

Jan Rymenams