White Netevallei - Back to the future

A walk through the Witte Nete valley and its hay meadows, canal systems, scrublands, alder swamp forests... but also remnants of heathland and conifer plantations.
As you follow the red walking route, you will regularly come across information signs on the Natuurpunt plots. These signs feature natural history information in the form of a large photograph by Henri Van den Wildenbergh, taken on site in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
This period marks the end of the era that began around 1850. At that time, the traditional Kempen landscape was enriched with “modern” influences through canals, railroads, tram lines, and paved roads. This was achieved without losing what had existed for centuries. During these hundred years, the Kempen experienced its highest biodiversity to date.
Nature conservation efforts therefore often aim to create a situation reminiscent of the landscape from the early twentieth century. In other words, if we approach nature conservation in the Witte Nete Valley intelligently, the landscape should increasingly resemble the photos by Henri Van den Wildenbergh in the future...

We’ve also included nature facts along the walk.

Use the gray and blue numbers to access the information in the erfgoedapp.

Take a look and compare! And enjoy your walk.

📏 4.5 km
🕑 1.5 hours