Jutse Plassen, Koningshooikt - Putte

Between Koningshooikt and Putte, somewhat hidden, are the Jutse Plassen. This is a retention basin of the Itterbeek, created in 2006, which flooded part of Koningshooikt in 1998.
The Itterbeek springs in Beerzel, a district of Putte. Beerzel is home to the highest point in the province of Antwerp, the Beerzelberg (51 m). The lowest areas of Koningshooikt are only 10 m high. Due to this height difference of 40 m, the Itterbeek has to cope with large amounts of water during heavy rainfall, which drains quickly. The prolonged rain in September 1998 flooded streets and houses in Koningshooikt and Duffel, and that was the straw that broke the camel's back and required urgent measures.
The province of Antwerp has decided to establish a nature reserve and a walking area alongside the retention basin.
The area can be accessed from the Lierbaan (with parking, turn shortly before the 'Koningshooikt' sign when coming from Putte to Koningshooikt), from the Sander de Vosstraat (parking on the roadside), from the Peter Michielslei.
The Regional Landscape Rivierenland (Nete-Dijle-Zenne-Rupel) has marked two hiking trails that cross the area: No. 12 Jutse Plassenpad 6.3 km; No. 13 Stombaarshoekpad 6.3 km. The No. 11 Koningsbossenpad 9.2 km lies slightly to the west and starts at the De Laag parking lot (Eikenboslaan) in Koningshooikt.

Various notable bird observations have been made here, see at http://waarnemingen.be, under Area: Jutse Plassen/Wachtbekken Itterbeek. Natuurpunt Keerbergen organized their annual Early Bird Walk here in May 2012.

Photos: Gadwall, Pintails, Reed Warblers, Oystercatcher