Attractions and Places To See in Mispeldonk - Top 13

Where waters meet...

With a view of the Dijle valley...

Nice view and great street art by DZIA (part of the AniMalinas series)

At this location you have a bench with a view of the flood plain of the Dijle. Throughout the year there is a coming and going of guests here. The lower wetlands are the habitat of many water birds. Every season has its own main characters here. It is up to you to recognize them. Take your time and enjoy life on and above the flood plain.

At this point the Barebeek flows into the Dijle. The Barebeek valley lets you enjoy a wide and varied landscape. Old pollard willows form beautiful lines in the landscape. Little owls like to nest in the hollows of the old pollard willows. In the valley of the Barebeek you can regularly spot storks where they find a lot of food. They hunt for snails, earthworms, frogs and mice in the valley.

At the lock of the Barebeek and the Dijle in Muizen you can admire the artwork 'Eels' by DZIA. The artwork is part of the Animalinas route. With this cycle route Rivierenland wants to draw attention to the local fauna, a quarter of which is endangered. As a migratory fish, the eel still encounters obstacles and barriers too often, which makes it difficult for them to survive. We solve this as much as possible. On the Dijle, all obstacles have been removed up to #leuven and in Wallonia. But in the side streams, such as the Barebeek, there are currently still too many obstacles. Want to see how the artwork came about? Be sure to take a look at Dzia's profile! https://www.streetart.nl/nl/kunstenaars/profielen/dzia.htm

Mispeldonk Nature Reserve is a beautiful and valuable nature reserve in Bonheiden, located in the province of Antwerp. The area is known for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity and the natural beauty of the landscape. Here are some key points about Mispeldonk: Location and Size Mispeldonk is located between Bonheiden and the nearby municipality of Rijmenam, along the banks of the Dijle. The area is part of the larger Dijle landscape, which is known for its wet meadows, meandering waterways and rich flora and fauna. Mispeldonk covers approximately 50 hectares and consists of a mix of marshlands, meadows, forests and ponds. Ecological Importance Mispeldonk is a protected nature reserve because of its special ecological value. The area has a typical structure of a flood plain of the Dijle, which makes it an important habitat for many plant and animal species: • Flora: Various rare and protected plant species grow in the area, such as marsh marigolds, cuckoo flowers and water violets. The wet grasslands and marshes provide unique vegetation that is less common elsewhere in the region. • Fauna: Mispeldonk is an important habitat for birds such as the bluethroat, water rail and reed warbler. Amphibians such as the crested newt and the green frog can also be found there. Furthermore, the area is rich in insects, including butterflies and dragonflies, that thrive in the moist environment. Water management The nature reserve plays an important role in local water management. It is located in a flood-prone area along the Dijle and functions as a natural buffer against flooding. In the event of high water levels, the area can collect water and thus help prevent flooding in nearby villages. The nature reserve contributes to the preservation of water quality by filtering and purifying the water through natural processes. Recreation and Experience Mispeldonk is a popular place for nature lovers and hikers. The area is accessible via various hiking trails that lead through the meadows and forests. There are signposted routes that give walkers the chance to explore the diversity of the landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Birdwatchers enjoy visiting the area because of the variety of bird species that can be seen, especially during the breeding season and the migratory bird periods. Management and Protection The nature reserve is managed by Natuurpunt, a Belgian organisation that is committed to nature conservation. Natuurpunt carries out management work to protect biodiversity and maintain the landscape. This includes mowing grasslands, removing invasive plant species and maintaining the walking paths. There is collaboration with local farmers for nature-friendly agriculture, whereby meadows are extensively grazed or mowed, so that they remain suitable for meadow birds and rare plants.

Very beautiful path! The gravel rides smoothly too! Unfortunately, the municipality has decided to pave the gravel... But as long as I can, I will continue to enjoy it!