Fort Liezele and Court of Coolhem from Puurs

Recording from October 31, 2020 After 6 years back again, but then more unpaved

This route was chosen by HLN. See link.    https://www.hln.be/puurs-sint-amands/op-ontdekking-door-puurs-wandel-langs-fort-liezele-en-hof-van-coolhem~a897502e/

Fort of Liezele

The green Fort
The fortification, once criticized in the past, is now an architectural jewel in the landscape. The 18ha fortress is one of the best-preserved forts in Belgium. The fort was a military area until the municipality acquired it for passive recreation in 1979. The fort is under landscape and monument protection. The museum informs visitors about the development of the fortress belts around Antwerp. Anglers can test their patience in the 50m wide fortress moat, surrounded by greenery. A part is closed off and established as a bat reserve. The fort is home to a fishing club, a hiking association, and a winemakers' guild. Groups can rent a room for meetings or barbecue evenings. The Fort of Liezele association works together with the municipality for the restoration of the fort and the expansion of the museum.

The Hof von Coolhem is a nature reserve of 92 ha with numerous recreational opportunities: an extensive hiking trail, various types of trees & shrubs, more than 75 varieties of fruit-bearing greens, over 130 species of wild plants, a bee house, a historic garden, a sheep pasture, a biological sewage treatment plant...

Additionally, there are continuously temporary exhibitions and a small museum that highlights both the history of the area and that of the municipality of Puurs, from the Iron Age to the present.

The park area Hof von Coolhem is a parkland of over 13 ha that borders the nature reserve De Moeren (79 ha). Such a size - without paved paths, litter or disturbances and with natural management - is unique far beyond the municipal boundaries. Nature and environment in a unique historical context.