Diversions mountain bike route Wildernissen
In Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, managers are always working to preserve nature and improve it wherever possible. In the autumn, both Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer will carry out management work in the Stoppelbergen/Wildernissen area. Recreationists are advised to avoid these parts. For safety reasons, the Wildernissen mountain bike route (purple route) will be partially closed from 18 August 2021 to January 2022. A diversion will be provided so you will still have a small 4km loop at Wildernissen. Posters with the map below will be put up in various places in the area to inform visitors. After completion of the work, the route will be restored together with the mtb volunteers involved. Candidate volunteers may always contact the Grenspark at grenspark.
Natuurmonumenten is carrying out work in the Wildernissen nature reserve near Putte (NL). This area was traditionally home to beautiful heathland areas including plants such as heathland, ivy water vine and pilfer's fern. The alpine newt also occurs in the area. Before Natuurmonumenten took control of the area, little nature management was done. With this, the open areas gradually grew dense with shrubs like American bird cherry and pine. This was at the expense of the habitat of these species. By bringing back the open spaces in the forest, we make nature suitable for these animals and plants again.
Staatsbosbeheer will start timber harvesting on the Brabantse Wal in September. The work will also take place in Stoppelbergen and Wildernissen. Prior to the harvest, the forester makes a careful selection of trees that are of great value for the development of the forest. Competing trees standing nearby are given an orange dot, showing the sawyer that the tree may be harvested. The machines drive along set paths to minimise damage to the forest floor. The logs are taken from the forest and processed into sustainable wood products. Side branches and the tops of trees remain in the forest. Soil fauna and fungi break them down into raw materials that plants then use to grow again. The Forestry Commission never harvests more than grows, so forest remains forest. Special elements are clearly marked in the terrain so that they are not damaged during harvesting. Harvesting creates open spaces in the forest where light falls on the ground. This allows seeds to germinate; this is called natural rejuvenation. Creating as much variety in species and ages as possible creates a future-proof and resilient forest, benefiting many different animal species and visitors.
Apologies for the temporary inconvenience.
Just a quick note that there will also be forest works at Evides until about 28 August. The blue route has therefore been diverted here for a while (green arrow).
