Breeding season: peace and quiet for breeding birds in the Grenspark

From mid-March onwards, the first ground-breeding birds are back in our country. It is mainly migratory birds from the south that come to us in nature reserves such as the Kalmthoutse Heide to produce their young. Rare species such as nightjar, woodlark, tree pipit, stonechat, stonechat, curlew,... make their nests hidden among the grass and heather bushes. In the open plain, they have a good view of any predators such as crows, foxes, magpies and domestic cats. If there is a threat, they fly away from the nest to warn their peers and lure the predator away.

People also often see them as a threat where they temporarily leave the nest. Only this should not happen too much, otherwise they will not hatch their eggs. That's why we try to give them all the rest every spring. For this reason, special zones are reserved in the reserve for them during their breeding period. This means that from 15 March to 30 June, certain paths are not accessible for recreation.

Everywhere, even outside the temporarily closed areas, rare animals try to find their place. Together with the land managers, we therefore call attention to nature. Always stay on the marked hiking trails, take your dog only where it is allowed and keep it on a leash.

We hope for everyone's understanding so that we can continue to enjoy the unique species that have their home on the heath for a long time to come.