The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Natuurreservaat Vallei Van De Zwarte Beek - Beringen

Farmers used this short and straight field path on foot or by cart to milk the cows and transport the milk cans between the surrounding meadows and farms. Hence the name Melkpad (Milk Path).

The cycle path here is called the Melkpad and crosses a considerable part of the Valley of the Black Brook. It offers a diverse landscape with different types of nature specific to this reserve, including forests, spring areas, and heathland.

The Beringen slag heap is located in the middle of the Beringen-Beverlo-Koersel triangle and is flanked by the Valley of the Black Stream. The ANB manages this area, which covers an area of 60 hectares. After the mine closure, slag heap 2 and the surrounding land were repurposed as a Flemish nature reserve. Herbs and grass mixtures were sown. Nature also lent a hand thanks to carriers such as wind and animals. On the steep slopes of the Beringen slag heap, groves of summer oak, silver birch, hawthorn, dog rose, and wild clematis thrive. St. John's wort, oxeye daisy, common tansy, yarrow, and wild carrot compete for a spot in the sunnier, open areas. Birds such as the skylark, tree pipit, and meadow pipit enjoy this abundance of herbs. It is an excellent biotope for them to breed in. Moreover, there are snacks galore thanks to the many insects present, including the remarkable blue-winged grasshopper and the swallowtail butterfly.

Extreme variation, from a sodden, peaty stream valley to the bone-dry sandy dunes on the heath, that is what the Valley of the Black Creek is known for. In the upper reaches, the creek meanders through the military domain "Kamp van Beverlo". Here it has retained its natural meandering. That is why a rare fish species like the brook lamprey feels right at home here. The stream valley gradually transitions into the large heathland: wet heath with fens and dry heath with dunes. Only a few species of plants and animals can withstand the large temperature fluctuations, enormous drought, and very dynamic sand drifts. Between buntgras, ruig haarmos, and heidespurrie, tiger beetles hunt small insects. Wheatears, pipits, and larks, in turn, try to outwit the fast sprinters.

Extreme variety, from a sodden peat bog valley to the bone-dry sandy dunes on the heath, that is what the Valley of the Black Creek is known for. In the upper reaches, the creek meanders through the military domain “Kamp van Beverlo”. Here it has retained its natural meandering. That is why a rare fish species like the brook lamprey certainly feels at home here. The creek valley gradually transitions into the large heathland area: wet heath with bogs and dry heath with dunes. Only a few species of plants and animals can withstand the large temperature fluctuations, enormous drought, and very dynamic sand drifts. Between purple moor grass, rough haircap moss, and sea sandwort, sand beetles hunt small insects. Wheatears, pipits, and larks, in turn, try to outwit the fast sprinters.

The valley of the Zwarte Beek is known for its extreme variation: from a soggy, peaty stream valley to the bone-dry sandy dunes on the heath. With its 1,300 hectares, this is one of the largest nature reserves in Flanders.

The pond on the small stream in Korspel (Beringen) is a quiet and green spot located right next to a cycling and walking path. It is an ideal stop for hikers and cyclists to rest for a while.

The pond by the small stream in Korspel (Beringen) is a quiet and green spot located right next to a cycle path and walking trail. It is an ideal stop for hikers and cyclists to rest for a while.