#19. Munster Forest

Discover how Flanders strengthens open spaces for agriculture, nature, and forests. Step by step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forests.

During this walk, you will get to know the spatial implementation plan RUP Munsterbos. Also discover the other walks of 'Step by Step'.

The RUP Munsterbos was approved in 2017 and is located at the transition from the Kempen Plateau to Haspengouw, encompassing a strongly branched complex of streams such as the Bezoensbeek and the Munsterbeek that drain from the Kempen Plateau to the Demer. It is an area of approximately 400 ha with ecologically valuable forests, wetlands, ponds, heath, and grasslands.

The area along the Albert Canal was designated as a reserve area for industry in the regional plan. After years of tug-of-war within the planning process for the Economic Network Albert Canal, the Flemish Government ultimately decided to scrap this industrial area in favor of preserving nature. The edge of the flood-prone area near the center of Munsterbilzen was designated as a residential expansion area. The RUP converted the undeveloped parts into nature reserve. In total, 95 ha of industrial area and 7 ha of residential area were scrapped.

The valley of the Winterbeek to the north of Heiken is a small-scale and wet agricultural landscape with valuable grasslands and forms an ecological connection area between Munsterbos and the more southern nature area Zangerhei around the Zangerhei castle.

The Weerstandskapel (Resistance Chapel) serves as a reminder of the violence during the war in the area and the execution of 54 resistance fighters in World War II. There are still old trenches to be found in Munsterbos.

The Branderij is an artificially raised area created by the dredging during the widening of the Albert Canal. It is gradually beginning to become forested. The climb to the top is worth it!

At the center lies an extensive pond complex and a lowland landscape. The core of the area is an officially recognized nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt. Thanks to a European LIFE+ project (2012-2019), they were able to restore, among other things, a beautiful piece of heath landscape.

The hike in short.
This route combines the red and blue walks set out by Natuurpunt in the area. From the park behind the Edelhof and the visitor center De Landschapsruiter, you follow the valley of the Munsterbeek to Heiken. Via the wet grassland area of the Winterbeek and along De Brandrij, you will reach the central marsh and pond complex.

Want to know more:

RUP Munsterbos

Did you find this interesting? Also discover the other walks of 'Step by Step to more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forests'.

(The routes have been carefully mapped out. If you notice an error or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know at agnas@vlaanderen.be)