Paddebroeken Nature Reserve

Wet meadows and forest form the Paddebroeken, a small nature reserve in Merchtem. The area is home to a surprising natural wealth in a fairly open landscape. Several nature and forest areas in the area connect the Kravaal forest in Mazenzele and Meldert, and the valley areas of the Grote Molenbeek and its tributaries in Merchtem and Steenhuffel. Nearby are the Paardenbos, Heibos and Kartelobos. Beautiful walking environment.

In the area's six pools, various aquatic animals such as common frog and alpine newt benefit from the clean water. Plants such as water gentian and water violet provide oxygen in the pools. But dragonflies and damselflies also find something to their liking in the vicinity of the pools. You can regularly see sparrow hawk and kestrel with in the background the twittering of lesser spotted woodpeckers in the trees in search of food. (Nature point)

Wet meadows and forest form the Paddebroeken, a small nature reserve in Merchtem. The area is home to a surprising natural wealth in a fairly open landscape. Several nature and forest areas in the area connect the Kravaal forest in Mazenzele and Meldert, and the valley areas of the Grote Molenbeek and its tributaries in Merchtem and Steenhuffel. Nearby are the Paardenbos, Heibos and Kartelobos. Beautiful walking environment.