The reserve in detail
Its calamine origin dates back to the time when the metallurgical companies of the Vesdre and Ourthe valleys released heavy metal fumes (zinc and lead) into the atmosphere, blown by the prevailing winds on the neighboring hills.
Impressive landscapes and a particular biotope result from this pollution.
This reserve is made up of a vast grassy heath dominated by bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris) and molinia (Molinia caerulea) which are two grasses considered as pseudo metallophytes (flora that can withstand high concentrations of heavy metals).
These large grassy areas are dotted with stunted oaks and a few birches, giving them a particularly remarkable “savannah” appearance.
A few lawns with Calaminar Pansy (Viola calaminaria) and Calaminar Stool (Thlaspi caerulescens subsp. calaminare) still remain in places, despite invasion by molinia and shrub colonization.
These lands are the property of the municipality of Chaudfontaine and a partnership agreement for the development of the site was signed on November 9, 2020 between the Municipality and Natagora for a period of 30 years.
The challenge of this project is to preserve in the long term the natural, historical and landscape heritage of Bois-les-Dames by obtaining the status of Approved Natural Reserve by making it alive and accessible to all its users, while respecting of the riches it conceals.
Beyond the environmental aspect, the wish is to create a real civic dynamic around this site, so as to be able to reappropriate this nature very close to our place of life, by getting to know it, to better respect it.