Kick-off meeting hosts of the Grenspark 20 March 2023
On 20 March 2023, Grenspark and IVN welcomed the hosts and nature guides of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide during a return meeting. Twice a year, the Hosts are invited to network, exchange information and take the opportunity to explore the area.
No fewer than 11 hosts and women and 9 nature guides were represented at this meeting, which took place at Brasserie Abdijbos, located at reception gate Volksabdij in Ossendrecht (one of the four reception gates of the Grenspark). We were warmly welcomed by manager Linsy Verbraak, who is also a Grenspark hostess. It was a fascinating afternoon with a well-filled programme.
Coordinator Jan Weverbergh started the afternoon with a presentation on the application for Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide to become a National Park.
This was followed by Walter Jonkers, project coordinator Geopark Schelde Delta, with a fascinating presentation on the status application for the UNESCO Geopark Schelde Delta. Three Flemish provinces, two Dutch provinces and more than 130 partners have worked together on this dossier, which highlights the area's unique geological, ecological and cultural-historical values. Among others, the Kalmthoutse Heide and the Brabantse Wal, with their unique geological features, are part of the application that has a chance of being recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark. Worldwide, there are currently 177 Geoparks spread over 46 countries.
After Walter's presentation, Anne Stuer, landscape expert at Regionaal Landschap De Voorkempen, gave an introduction on landscape reading. Anne developed a methodology in which you can read the landscape on the basis of different landscape elements. For instance, you can describe land use, land cover, buildings, etc., but also look at the landscape from a certain perspective (social, ecological, etc.). Landscape reading can be a fun way to let visitors experience the area in a different way.
After the presentations, it was time to put theory into practice. We headed into the Meiduinen area, where the landscape was read in detail. For instance, someone noticed a 'mass' (a piece of forest you cannot see through) and also a lone tree on top of the steep edge of the Brabantse Wal. Along the way, at several stops we were explained the geological history of the West Brabant landscape and the remains of up to 2 million years ago that are still visible in the landscape.
A little wet but satisfied, we returned to the Volksabdij for a chat and a drink. It was a successful, interesting afternoon with an enthusiastic group!
Want to discover the Meiduinen area yourself? You can do so with the Mammoet walking route, which starts at Volksabdij follow the signs Kikker en Mammoet).