Easy hikes and walks in Natuurreservaat De Maten

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The heath landscape is a remnant of a historical, extensive agricultural ecosystem. Of the area of heath that existed around 1850, about 5 percent remained at the end of the twentieth century. The remaining heathlands are now nature reserves or are used as military training grounds. Today, heath is scarce in Flanders and still covers 0.6 to 1 percent of the total area: about 7,700 to 13,000 hectares. Nevertheless, the heath landscape is of great importance for the preservation of biodiversity: 13% of the most endangered animal and plant species in Flanders can be found in the heath landscape.

The name Maten is related to the English "meadows". The area is part of De Wijers, a pond complex on the transition from the Kempens Plateau to the Demer Valley. On the poor sandy soils of the Kempen, fish farming was a source of extra protein. As early as the Middle Ages, series of ponds were created by means of simple cross-dikes in the valley. The overflow from one pond simultaneously forms the supply for the next pond. For the ponds in De Maten, the Stiemerbeek valley was dammed up several times. As fish farming became more intensive in the first half of the twentieth century, many ponds were given separate inlets and outlets. In De Maten, you will still find a mix of both systems. The water management is therefore a complex part of the management of one of the oldest nature reserves in Flanders.

Ornithology or bird science is a specialization of zoology that deals with the study of birds. It includes the classification of species and observation of behavior, migration, song, and flight patterns. Birds are ringed, among other things, to learn more about their migratory behavior and age. An ornithologist is a practitioner of ornithology. A hobby ornithologist is a birdwatcher.

The building itself is five hundred years old and carries an impressive history. It survived the Eighty Years' War, the Napoleonic era, and both World Wars, and was due for renovation.

it is a beautiful place to rest, eat and enjoy the birds on the water and views

The Slagmolen (Slag Mill) is a centuries-old watermill building in Genk (Termien), situated right on the edge of the De Maten nature reserve and the Stiemerbeek valley. Dating back to 1523, it is probably the oldest existing building in the city and served as a functioning watermill for centuries. This mill was powered by the water of the Stiemerbeek stream and its tributaries, meaning the wheel turned as soon as there was sufficient water in the stream. This technique was typical of rural life in the past, and the stream was regulated to keep the mill running. This created the area around De Maten into a dynamic landscape of water features and ponds. Today, the Slagmolen is no longer a typical working mill, but its ambition is high: after a thorough renovation, the building will be operational again and serve as an official visitors center for De Maten, featuring an information desk, café, and meeting space for hikers and nature lovers. The opening of this center is planned for the summer of 2026.

A sunrise over the ponds in the De Maten nature reserve is one of the most magical nature experiences you can have in Limburg. 🌅✨ The ponds of De Maten, such as the Augustijnenvijvers Homeleswijer and De Hommelaar ponds, form a tranquil, mirror-like backdrop as the first rays of sunlight glide across the water. The reeds along the banks are slowly illuminated, birds begin their morning song, and the mist that sometimes still hangs over the water's surface gives the landscape an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The soft murmur of the Stiemerbeek stream in the background enhances the sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Bitterns, reed birds, and waterfowl are often most active around sunrise. With binoculars or a camera, you can observe them in action. The low sun casts a golden glow over the water and the reed beds. This transforms the landscape from gray and blue to warm shades of golden orange and soft pink. For other visitors, it's often still early, so you often have the path and viewpoints almost to yourself.