Nature reserve Ringselven Budel-Dorplein

The Ringselven actually consists of several fens that were in the shape of an oval ring.
The fens belonged to the area that was bought in 1892 by the Dor brothers to establish a zinc factory and a factory village here. The ringing was originally used to supply water as cooling water for zinf production.
The fen was intersected by a dike on which the Havenweg and the narrow gauge railway were built for better accessibility of the Zinkfabriek.
Now it is a beautiful nature reserve where countless water birds take refuge.
The supply of water largely takes place from the lake De Hoort. The streams 't Luuëpke and the Hamonterbeek flow into De Hoort.
The water is heavily contaminated with metals, but rainwater limits the pollution somewhat.
As mentioned, the Ringselven consists of several fens.
In Dorplein they are called the First and the second Peel (or swimming game and fish play). And the Klaarvijver (nowadays called Ringselven-Oost).
The Peel used to be a popular swimming spot. Now it is mainly a fine fish pond. The Klaarvijver was used to settle the contaminated cooling water before it was discharged into the Tungelroy stream.
The Ringselven is part of the large cross-border nature reserve: 'Het Kempenbroek'

SOURCE: Nature reserve Ringselven Budel-Dorplein | (heemkundekringcranendonck.nl)

Joris Broché