#20. Mechelse Heide-north

Discover how Flanders enhances 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 Berggrind mining Kempisch Plateau. Also discover the other walks of 'Step by Step'.

The landscape of the Kempisch Plateau has transformed drastically several times over the past centuries: from large-scale and systematic afforestation of heathland in the 19th century to the sand and gravel extraction that has been reshaping the landscape since the 1970s. In 2006, the Hoge Kempen National Park was opened. The master plan for the national park strongly focuses on systematically eliminating enclaves and barriers within the large connected nature cores on and around the Kempisch Plateau.

In 2004, a first RUP converted some agricultural enclaves into nature. In 2005, through the regional spatial implementation plan Berggrind mining Kempens Plateau, the forest area of the Mechelse Heide-north was converted into an extraction area with future designation as nature. After the end of this gravel extraction, a new nature area has been developing here since 2017. To the north of the Kolenspoor lies the Lugo/Artilaval quarry. These extraction pits are still being further filled, but once filled, new nature will also be able to develop here.

The industrial area Op de Berg forms an enclave within the national park. The intention is to completely phase out the industrial area by 2040. Where possible, the Agency for Nature and Forest will purchase industrial sites to reforest them after the buildings are demolished and the hard surfaces are removed. The RUP for this is under development.

The Kolenspoor connects the various Limburg mine sites to each other. Between the former station of Eisden-Mijnen and As, the track snakes its way up through a dry valley against the Kempisch Plateau. Trains no longer run here, but the tracks are still there, and fortunately, the route has been spared from cycling path asphalt. The track has, in addition to heritage value, also a high ecological value as a nature connection, particularly for species such as the smooth snake.

The hike in short.
You start at the entrance gate Station As of the Hoge Kempen National Park and take the bike bridge over the N75 to head towards the gravel landscape Mechelse Heide-north. You first follow the blue diamond signs through the former gravel extraction area. Just before you reach the Kolenspoor, you climb up to the right and walk along the

Want to know more:

RUP Berggrind mining Kempisch Plateau

Did you find this interesting? Discover also the other walks of 'Step by Step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forests'.

(The routes have been carefully mapped out. Did you notice an error or do you have suggestions for improvement? Let us know at agnas@vlaanderen.be)