Top 20 Lakes around Berlaar

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kesselse Heide was a popular location for military exercises. It was used successively by the Belgian army (specifically the Achterbist region), during World War II by German soldiers, and in the post-war period by the Allies. Locals would sometimes "play" with the soldiers as children, participating in exercises such as quickly reassembling a weapon. However, from the early 1950s onward, the fun ended: the start of the Korean War and more frequent exercises led to stricter rules. Perhaps for the best, as the soldiers had access to heavy artillery. The heath contained several gun pits, part of the defense line around Nijlen. The famous "Horseshoe Pit" was one of them. This pit was originally circular and was (possibly) dug during the First World War to wash the soldiers' horses. Later, a small land bridge was added, making the island in the middle accessible. For many locals, it served as a beautiful swimming hole and a place for summer recreation.

Nice story about rivalry between local youth from surrounding villages

Water skiers love this spot... After having the wind at their backs, it suddenly becomes a bit disappointing due to this little detour along the water...

Mispeldonk Nature Reserve is a beautiful and valuable nature reserve in Bonheiden, located in the province of Antwerp. The area is known for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity and the natural beauty of the landscape. Here are some key points about Mispeldonk: Location and Size Mispeldonk is located between Bonheiden and the nearby municipality of Rijmenam, along the banks of the Dijle. The area is part of the larger Dijle landscape, which is known for its wet meadows, meandering waterways and rich flora and fauna. Mispeldonk covers approximately 50 hectares and consists of a mix of marshlands, meadows, forests and ponds. Ecological Importance Mispeldonk is a protected nature reserve because of its special ecological value. The area has a typical structure of a flood plain of the Dijle, which makes it an important habitat for many plant and animal species: • Flora: Various rare and protected plant species grow in the area, such as marsh marigolds, cuckoo flowers and water violets. The wet grasslands and marshes provide unique vegetation that is less common elsewhere in the region. • Fauna: Mispeldonk is an important habitat for birds such as the bluethroat, water rail and reed warbler. Amphibians such as the crested newt and the green frog can also be found there. Furthermore, the area is rich in insects, including butterflies and dragonflies, that thrive in the moist environment. Water management The nature reserve plays an important role in local water management. It is located in a flood-prone area along the Dijle and functions as a natural buffer against flooding. In the event of high water levels, the area can collect water and thus help prevent flooding in nearby villages. The nature reserve contributes to the preservation of water quality by filtering and purifying the water through natural processes. Recreation and Experience Mispeldonk is a popular place for nature lovers and hikers. The area is accessible via various hiking trails that lead through the meadows and forests. There are signposted routes that give walkers the chance to explore the diversity of the landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Birdwatchers enjoy visiting the area because of the variety of bird species that can be seen, especially during the breeding season and the migratory bird periods. Management and Protection The nature reserve is managed by Natuurpunt, a Belgian organisation that is committed to nature conservation. Natuurpunt carries out management work to protect biodiversity and maintain the landscape. This includes mowing grasslands, removing invasive plant species and maintaining the walking paths. There is collaboration with local farmers for nature-friendly agriculture, whereby meadows are extensively grazed or mowed, so that they remain suitable for meadow birds and rare plants.

Beautiful walking area in nature

There is an information board near the water feature. It is called the 'horseshoe pit' because it has a horseshoe shape. It is not known for sure why the well is there, but the information board does give the hypotheses and tells how the youth once came to play here and generations of Kessel residents learned to swim when it was still called 'het visputteke' (and there was even more water in it). More on the information board with the photos.

The landscaped decking path ensures that you can enjoy the Babbelse Plassen dry-footed. The Babbelse Plassen (approx. 3.5 ha) consists of a semi-open landscape, lined with rows of pollard willows and wooded edges. In 2012, the province (Integral Water Policy Department) constructed a new water retention system here with spacious shallow pools, wide pond berms and a winding free passage of the Babbelkroonbeek. The Babbelse Plassen thus form new nature that also guarantees to protect the downstream municipality of Lint from flooding.

Since time immemorial there was an elongated forest along the Babbelkroonbeek, known as the Langbos. Except for a few relics, this forest disappeared after the Second World War. At the initiative of Natuurpunt and in collaboration with private owners, this forest was replanted in the autumn of 2013 after more than 60 years of absence by schools, youth associations and numerous Kontichnaars. As a result, the forest stock with its spring flora of wood anemone and valley herb increases again to 3 ha. The second part, the Babbelse Plassen (approximately 3.5 ha) consists of a semi-open landscape, lined with rows of pollard willows and wooded edges. In 2012, the province (Integral Water Policy Department) constructed a new water retention system here with spacious shallow pools, wide pond berms and a winding free passage of the Babbelkroonbeek. The Babbelse Plassen thus form new nature that also guarantees to protect the downstream municipality of Lint from flooding. Highlights The two historic forest chapels date from the 17th and 19th centuries. The unique tree monument at the first forest chapel was realized in 2014 as part of the rural project 'Extraordinary Places'. Animals and plants The pools are populated by frogs, salamanders and other aquatic life. Many birds such as white holes, snipes and shelducks also regularly forage here. In spring you can enjoy the pink color palette of cuckoo flowers. Plants such as the rare brook punge and the marsh marigold grow in the wetter areas. Source: https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/langbos-en-babbelse-plassen