Under a radiant autumn sun, 120 silence seekers enjoyed four unique activities last weekend as part of the Day of Silence: an annual event during which the Grenspark, together with its partners, draws attention to the importance of peace and quiet. As an officially recognised silence area, Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is a place where visitors can enjoy a pleasant and low-stimulation noise environment. With 4 different silence experiences, visitors could experience this silence in a unique way.
Workshop landscape drawing
Following in the footsteps of 19th-century landscape painters, the artists of Vriendenkring 't Palet took a group of enthusiastic participants to the Van Ganzenven, where they were inspired by the silent scenery. ATV was there and made a report.
Broad silence on a grand scale
As many as 70 visitors signed up for a silence visit to the highest platform of the fire and lookout tower. At the bottom of the tower, foresters and fire tower volunteers from the Agency for Nature and Forests welcomed participants with information on fire prevention, after which visitors visited the fire watchman's station at a height of 30 metres. Visit Kalmthout surprised visitors with a nice memento of the Day of Silence: a keychain of the iconic fire tower.
Quiet walk for families
Families with children also enjoyed a walk full of playful challenges, organised by De Vroente, Duurzaam Educatiepunt and accompanied by guide Trail Steward Barbé.
Meditative walk in silence in the monastery garden
On Saturday, a meditative silence walk took place in the College's Monastery Garden in Essen that provided a beautiful setting to experience silence with all the senses.
Thank you to all participants and the enthusiastic guides for working together to highlight the importance of silence. Special thanks to the foresters and fire tower volunteers of Agency for Nature and Forest, Vriendenkring 't Palet, Hans Geldhof, De Vroente Duurzaam Educatiepunt, guide Trail Steward Barbé, Visit Kalmthout and IVN Natuureducatie.
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