Experience week: a week full of nature adventures in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide (17-25 May)

Thursday 23 April 2026

From 17 to 25 May, Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide will again be bursting with nature experiences. During the third edition of the Experience Week, the Grenspark, together with local partners, invites visitors and local residents to discover the area's wealth of species. With a varied programme for young and old, there is plenty to experience in and around the nature reserve.

During this week, we celebrate four international nature moments: World Bee Day, Natura 2000 Day, Biodiversity Day and the European Day of Parks. A great occasion to reflect on the value of nature and experience it actively yourself.

"You don't have to travel far to experience special nature," says director-director Jan Weverbergh of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. "During the Experience Week, we show how much there is to discover, just right here in your own environment. With a varied range of activities, we invite everyone to come and experience nature for themselves in a low-threshold or just more in-depth way."

Out and about with a guide

Those who really want to get to know the species diversity in the Grenspark can take a walk with an experienced guide. The programme includes a dragonfly walk, a guided tour through the Noordpolder nature reserve, a bird excursion to the Stappersven, a landscape tour along the Kleine and Groote Meer and an evening tour in Arboretum Kalmthout. Early birds will be rewarded with a unique opportunity to spot moths at Het Zonneveld. Those wishing to combine nature and art can take part in an experience around the Scots Pine with artist Anaïs Berck.

For young explorers

Children and families are also more than welcome. They can give free rein to their creativity by creating their own natural artwork among wild herbs, flowers and insects at Het Zonneveld or build a musical instrument for a real nature orchestra at the Karrenmuseum. This way, even the youngest visitors discover the nature around them in a playful way.

Inspiring lectures

On Friday evening 22 May, we will dive deeper into nature with two lectures. Science communicator Petra Vijncke takes the audience into the fascinating world of insects at De Vroente, while author Harriet Rix talks about the hidden power of trees and their role in ecosystems at Arboretum Kalmthout.

Take part in the Species Challenge!

From 9 to 31 May, anyone can take part in the Species Challenge. With the app ObsIdentify, you register plants and animals you encounter in the Grenspark. This way, you help map biodiversity. During the previous edition, no fewer than 6,417 observations were registered, with special species such as the common whitethroat dragonfly, smooth snake and even an eagle owl. This year too, every sighting counts! Are you participating? Do stay on the paths during your search, especially in the breeding season, so as not to disturb nature.

Extra: film screening

On 30 May, we will close with an extra activity: the screening of the film Eat More Trees at De Vroente, with explanations by the makers.

Practical

Curious about the full programme? You can find all activities and practical information on our project page or via the digital map below. Some activities require registration or have a participation fee, so be sure to check details in advance.