Bellet orchard

The Bellet is located next to the Cottessen nature reserve. A magnificent orchard, some damp groves and meadows and a half-timbered courtyard belong to the property, which covers 37 hectares. The Heimans quarry also belongs to this nature reserve. The site has been owned by the Limburg Landscape Foundation since the end of 1992.

The orchard originally belonged to Bellethoeve. More than 350 apple, pear and some plum trees grow there, with many old, almost forgotten varieties. The current farmhouse (not owned by the foundation) was built in 1732 on behalf of the superior of the nunnery in Burscheidt. The orchard was used by Sjang Crombach until 1989. After his death, the heirs of Crombach agreed to sell the orchard, the Heimans quarry and the Geul meadows to the Het Limburgs Landschap foundation. The orchard is maintained by the "Vrienden van de Bellet" and the "Pomologische Genootschap Limburg". A replanting plan was drawn up to fill open holes with old varieties. For this purpose, more than 100 new trees have already been planted. The fruits are collected and processed into apple juice, cider and Eau de Vie de Limbourg, a type of Calvados. There are sources on the slopes. A number of poplars have been cut down so that more spring pastures and natural spring groves can emerge in the near future.

After Hoeve Bellet, another high point, nice walk through old orchards, impressive trees. can be slippery with rainy weather!

It's a nice and old fruit tree garden.... There are also a few streams...