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In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kesselse Heide was a popular location for military exercises. It was used successively by the Belgian army (specifically the Achterbist region), during World War II by German soldiers, and in the post-war period by the Allies. Locals would sometimes "play" with the soldiers as children, participating in exercises such as quickly reassembling a weapon. However, from the early 1950s onward, the fun ended: the start of the Korean War and more frequent exercises led to stricter rules. Perhaps for the best, as the soldiers had access to heavy artillery. The heath contained several gun pits, part of the defense line around Nijlen. The famous "Horseshoe Pit" was one of them. This pit was originally circular and was (possibly) dug during the First World War to wash the soldiers' horses. Later, a small land bridge was added, making the island in the middle accessible. For many locals, it served as a beautiful swimming hole and a place for summer recreation.

Nice story about rivalry between local youth from surrounding villages

Hazewinkel Watersportbaan is used for a variety of water sports. It's an ideal training ground for rowers. So be sure to take a moment to admire Hazewinkel's expansive waters. The area is perfect for a walk around this large body of water. Blaasveldbroek and Broek De Naeyer are two other nearby walking destinations.

The Eglegem Pond covers over 43 hectares and was created in the late 1960s as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E19 motorway. During the winter, large flocks of waterfowl settle here, including shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, gadwall, grebe, coot, and black-headed gull. Eco-friendly bank and roadside management is being implemented around the Eglegem Pond.

Summer Gardens Don't be misled by the names of these three gardens. With a diverse selection of perennials, various ornamental shrubs, heirloom apple trees, and a collection of peonies... they're worth a visit in any season! But it's during (late) summer that the garden truly explodes with color, thanks to the abundant blooms of dahlias and cannas.

The Eglegem Pond, located between Hombeek and Zemst, is a beautiful nature reserve of over 40 hectares. Originally created as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E19 motorway, the area has grown into a valuable quiet area with great ecological value. Today, it is managed by Natuur en Bos (Nature and Forests) and a magnet for hikers, nature lovers, and fishermen. The area is especially known as a wintering ground for waterfowl such as tufted ducks, grebes, and shelducks. Beavers have also recently taken up residence there. A 3-km walking path, recently renovated, runs around the pond. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and an off-leash area is provided. Fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are permitted through recognized associations, but swimming and motorized water sports are prohibited. Thanks to targeted nature management and good water quality, this area remains a safe and peaceful place for both people and animals. An absolute must for those who want to unwind in nature.

The Vrijbroekpark, officially the Provincial Green Domain Vrijbroekpark, is a park in the Belgian city of Mechelen. It is located on the edge of the city and is 65 hectares in size. The province of Antwerp is the owner and it is freely accessible every day. It organizes walks, events and exhibitions, among other things.

The wheel is privately owned, but you walk right past it (on the Victor De Witstraat). No one knows for sure how the Hingenewiel was formed. We know that the Spierenbroek flooded around 1552. After failed attempts to close the Spierenbroekgat, the other polders flooded in November 1554, because the pladderdijk broke. We suspect that this is how the Hingenewiel was formed. A pladderdijk is a cross dike that runs from the stream through the polder (so not along the river). This large wheel was originally even larger, probably the Ketelwiel used to be part of this wheel. In the middle of this wheel was an island with a tower on it. The Hingenewiel became smaller due to natural silting up. Kingfisher, grebe, coot, moorhen, gadwall and shelduck breed here, among other things. But you can also admire fire damselfly, ostrich fern and yellow water lily here. (Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme)