アールストの天然記念物・トップ20

For a beautiful nature walk on the border with Aaigem, Mere, Haatert and Heldergem

The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) has a 30-hectare research center in Grimminge (Geraardsbergen), around the Helix, the Flemish Knowledge and Training Center for Nature and the Environment. The research center is not only a research site but also houses several collections of rare native tree and shrub species, which contribute to the conservation of genetic diversity. The research center houses several "populeta." A populetum is a collection of living poplars. The poplars in this populetum belong to the North American species Populus deltoides and Populus trichocarpa, and to the European black poplar (Populus nigra), forming a unique collection in Europe. These poplars were used in the INBO breeding program to create healthy trees with rapid growth, straight trunks, and excellent wood quality for the wood-processing industry. (INBO)

The Raspaillebos has five marked walks: Natural Gas Walk (7.7 km), Farmland Landscape (4 km), Raspaillebos Walk (3.7 km), Window on the Landscape (2.5 km), and Bosberg Walk (2 km). (Agency for Nature & Forests)

You're not allowed to simply gather wood in a forest, even if it's freely accessible. It's prohibited by law. A forest manager can allow this for their forest through an accessibility regulation. The ban aims to prevent the forest from being "emptied." Dead wood is crucial for a forest. Many organisms live on it and process it until it's completely gone. This includes large standing or lying trees, but also fine broken branches spread over a larger area. These contain many nutrients, such as carbon or minerals, which the soil can reabsorb and other trees can store. (Agency for Nature and Forests)

The artwork is not a classical figurative image, but an installation in the public space that links to the cultural history of the place itself, an ode to a historical fact. It is public art that is accessible, an arbor when the hop vines are in full bloom, art in dialogue with nature. The great master artist here is Nature. It is also an ‘eye-catcher’ on the Meldert village square.

beautiful views, easy country roads, extension possible in the Kravaal forest

A sunken road is a road that is so deeply worn that it lies between two slopes. It is the result of centuries of use and erosion. The most beautiful sunken roads can be found especially in hilly areas with a subsoil that easily forms steep walls, such as in Haspengouw and Hageland.

Beautiful, quiet forest. Some very muddy passages due to the persistent rain of the last months.