Dogs along
As happy as a dog on the moor
Your four-legged friend on a lead is also welcome in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. It is a wonderful area for a long walk together. And with no fewer than 24 walking routes where dogs are welcome, there is always a new adventure waiting. However, it is important that you follow the rules so that you and your dog do not disturb or destroy the flora and fauna in the area. Read below which rules you need to follow.
Rather be off the lead? That is allowed here!
Still want to let your dog run free? You can do so in one of the dog-walking zones in and around the Grenspark. Please note: here, too, your dog must be on a lead at all times and cleaning up after them is compulsory. See the map below for the locations:
1. Dog park Moretusbos in Putte (NL). Parking is available at this location. Note: in the Moretusbos, only a small part is designated as dog walking zone. In the rest of the forest dogs are only allowed on a lead.
2. Dog park Kwispel - Oude Postbaan - 4645 Putte (NL)
3. Dog adventure Forest in Kalmthout, between Heibloemlaan and Kinderwelzijnstraat - 2920 Kalmthout (B)
4. Dog off-leash zone Wildertse Duintjes - Wildertse Duintjes 11 - 2910 Essen (B)
MTB News from the park
MONA News from the park
Rules and reasons
Dogs are welcome, but always on a leash and not in pools, fens or the grazing grid. This is for the following reasons:
1. To protect nature
Nature is vulnerable, especially in spring. Then the Grenspark is one big maternity hospital. Much of that early life takes place low to the ground. Here there are breeding birds, small mammals, pheasants and also fawns. The latter lie still in the grass or among the leaves and bushes in the forest during their first days of life. It is important that they get used to life in the Grenspark here quietly, without being startled by dogs sniffing around and going off the path. Moreover, a dog's scent trail makes animals anxious, which can prevent the parent animal from returning to its young when necessary.
Letting your dog play or swim in ponds or pools is not allowed because it scares water birds. These gather in and around ponds, especially during migratory periods. If a dog disturbs them, they fly off in large flocks and waste energy. This is the energy they need to gain, prior to making their long journey home.
Finally, every year several animals die because they are savaged by stray dogs. We want to prevent this at all times.
2. Out of respect for other visitors
Keep your dog on a lead - for everyone's safety and pleasure
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is a great place to enjoy nature and tranquillity. We understand that dog owners know their faithful four-legged friend inside out, but other visitors to the park do not.
Even the sweetest dog can react unexpectedly, for example if he is startled. Not everyone is a dog lover, and some visitors - such as children, horse riders or mountain bikers - may feel unsafe with an over-enthusiastic dog on the loose. In addition, bite incidents are reported every year, often caused by dogs alarmed by walkers, joggers or cyclists.
To keep the park pleasant and safe for everyone, we kindly ask you to keep your dog on a lead at all times. This way, all visitors - with or without dogs - can enjoy nature undisturbed.
3. To protect your dog
Not only nature but your dog itself is also vulnerable. Other dogs, cyclists or startled horses can injure dogs. Motorways along the edge of the forest are also a potential danger when your dog goes off on his own. In addition, dogs running loose and sniffing around are more susceptible to diseases and critters such as ticks. The Grenspark is also home to vipers; a bite from an adder can be fatal to a dog.
4. To protect the grazers
In the Grenspark, dogs are not allowed in the grazing areas at any time. The grazers must be able to do their 'work' here in peace and quiet without being chased. All too often, sheep are still attacked and killed by stray dogs.
5. A watchful owner is worth two
Owners of stray dogs can be fined in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.