アルケンの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ9

Since 2020, efforts have been underway here to combat an invasive alien species, the watercress (Crassula sylvestris), a small plant that can multiply explosively in bare areas and outpaces all native seedlings. Keeping this alien species under control requires intensive and costly management. Moreover, the alien species suffocates all other native aquatic plants. Attempts are being made here to combat this alien species in a natural way. First, the watercress was removed from the pond bottom. Subsequently, native natural enemies of the invasive plant were planted. This reduces the watercress's chances of spreading to the surrounding nature. This is an experiment by the City of Hasselt and the Bio-Research research center at PXL University of Applied Sciences, but to date, it does not appear to be sufficient.

Shortly after the Schoenbrouck Pond in the Kiewit nature reserve was redesigned, it became overgrown with an invasive alien species, watercress. This was a disaster for the pond's natural character. Originally, a solution had been devised that was better than the one normally used in such a situation. The usual solution was to completely fill the pond and re-dig it after five years. But apparently, the faster method hasn't been very successful so far. More information about this can be found at https://www.natuurpunthasseltzonhoven.be/watercrassula-natuurlijk-bestrijden/ From the birdwatching hide, you usually won't see many waterfowl, except for those on the signs inside. So: a hide with a little something extra and wait and see.

Not a drop of water in sight. The pond has dried up.

Along the picturesque avenue leading to Hex Castle, four teardrop-shaped tree tents hang high among the tall trees, artistic sleeping accommodations designed by Dré Wapenaar. These temporary sculptures balance between architecture and sculpture, inviting guests to spend the night or simply take shelter under the trees. A unique experience in the heart of the Haspengouw landscape, where nature and creativity converge!

A birdwatching hut full of information that gives you a view of meadows and ponds through peepholes. The little ones have also been thought of because the peepholes are at all heights.

Here you'll go to the birdwatching hut on the water, which is located a few meters further out on the lake. In normal, wet conditions, you'll also walk a fair distance above the lake, which is surrounded on both sides by a boardwalk with poles. From the hut itself, you can see almost the entire lake, and it usually doesn't take long for waterfowl like cormorants to fly past your lens. On both sides of the path, you can admire the water lilies, depending on the season, of course.

More information about Het Vinne can be found at www.vlaamsbrabant.be/nl/vrije-tijd-en-toerisme/provinciedomein-het-vinne-zoutleeuw

With luck you can spot the residents with or without binoculars.