ワレムの天然記念物・トップ11

A beautiful area of (only) 34.5 hectares, characterized by reed beds, cattail ponds, and pools fringed by shrubs or with open banks... These diverse habitats offer countless bird species places to forage, nest, hibernate, or rest during their migration. No fewer than 212 species have already been observed! (Source: www.natagora.be)

The Henri Fontaine stream rises between Cras-Avernas and Bertrée, then irrigates several villages in the commune of Hannut before crossing the reserve at Grand-Hallet. Its source has long been linked to watercress cultivation, which requires good quality water.

In several places in the reserve, the alluvial bed is occupied by a floodplain forest, subject to the regular flooding of the Henri Fontaine stream, which deposits its silty alluvium. The forest stand is dominated by white willow and black alder, while the herbaceous layer is composed of large nettles. This wooded area is left to its own devices, favoring old trees, senescent wood, and deadwood. The Henri Fontaine stream rises between Cras-Avernas and Bertrée, then irrigates several villages in the commune of Hannut before crossing the reserve at Grand-Hallet. Its source has long been linked to watercress cultivation, which requires good quality water.

This marshy area of 21 hectares was already inhabited in prehistoric times and buildings were built in Roman times. Today there is a water pumping station and watercress beds are still in use. The area includes part of the valley of the Henri-Fontaine stream with flora that can no longer be found in the rest of the area. Damp meadows, dense reed land and tall perennial herbaceous plants of 1.5 to 2 meters high, located in alluvial zones on non-acidic and fairly moist soil with pieces of forest with trees that do well on wet soils, such as alders: these are remnants of the typical wet valleys that you often saw before agriculture became increasingly intensive. You cannot enter the nature reserve itself but you can see it quite well and at a certain point (if you follow the path next to it) you come to a beautiful piece of alluvial forest with the stream. Be sure to also walk to the Moulin Dardenne, which is located on the edge of the area on another road and location with the nature reserve behind it and streams that come out of the nature reserve. This is also the start of the path along the nature reserve. On the other side you will also find a start of the path - with information board - at a junction with the Rue du Condroz in Grand-Hallet. You will find it just before the bend behind which the Dardenne watermill is located. Turn left, it rises a little and then you are on the path. More on https://www.hannut.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brochure-7-fontaines-nl.pdf where you will find a full description of a 'seven-sources walk' that of course runs along the nature reserve and many sights around it.

Beautiful municipal nature trail through and on the edge of deciduous forest with mainly large shrubs of elder, hawthorn, dogwood and hazel.

The Sept Fontaines nature reserve extends in Hannut on a part of the valley where the Henri-Fontaine flows, where many vegetation elements have disappeared, also on other territories municipalities. Stagnant water, a gently sloping river, dry reed beds, ruderal scrub, alluvial alder-ash forests, alluvial meadows... all bear witness to what could be observed less than a century ago in most valley bottoms, before the significant intensification of land use. The site is part of the main ecological structure of Hannut, as a core area.

The Site naturel du Grand-Axhe is a beautiful natural area that extends over various landscapes, including grasslands, marshlands and small wooded areas. This place is a valuable habitat for a variety of flora and fauna and offers a peaceful environment for walkers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

the Geer, the Jeker in Dutch