Pond and bench in Natuurreservaat De Maten

The name Maten is related to the English "meadows". The area is part of De Wijers, a pond complex on the transition from the Kempens Plateau to the Demer valley. On the poor sandy soils of the Kempen, fish farming was a source of extra protein. As early as the Middle Ages, series of ponds were constructed via simple transverse dikes in the valley. The overflow of one pond simultaneously forms the supply for the next pond. The Stiemerbeek valley was dammed up several times for the ponds in De Maten. As fish farming became more intensive in the first half of the twentieth century, many ponds acquired separate inlets and outlets. In De Maten you will find a mix of both systems. Water management is therefore a complicated part of the management of one of the oldest nature reserves in Flanders. Source and more at natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/de-maten

This is an ideally placed sofa. On a slightly elevated part with sandy subsoil and heath landscape behind you and a great view of the water in front of you. Offered by Natuurpunt - enjoy.

Bench with a beautiful view offered by Natuurpunt.