Volunteers celebrate 25 years of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is celebrating its 25th anniversary together with the volunteers who have been working tirelessly for the area for many years. They symbolise the local commitment that has sustained the area for decades. What began with local people who recognised the value of this unique landscape and championed it has grown into a strong cross-border partnership between Flanders and the Netherlands.
From local commitment to the Grenspark organisation
The conservation of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide has grown from the grassroots up. Local residents, guides, nature lovers, managers and volunteers recognised the special value of the heathland, fens, woods and inland dunes at an early stage. Their commitment helped lay the foundations for the public support that still forms the strength of the Grenspark today. In 2001, the Benelux countries formally launched the Grenspark organisation. Since then, Flemish and Dutch partners have been working together on nature, landscape and visitor experience across borders.
A unique collaboration
A landscape does not stop at a national border, a municipal boundary or a property boundary. That is why the Grenspark Organisation works together with authorities, nature conservation organisations, landowners, volunteers and other partners across borders to preserve and develop this unique nature reserve.
Lukas Jacobs, Chair of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide:
“Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is a unique area, but also a unique partnership. After 25 years, it feels natural to know everyone involved with the area well, but that wasn’t the case at the start. Grenspark is a very effective partnership that ensures we don’t look at the individual properties, but at the area as a whole.”
This collaboration ensures coherence in nature conservation, water management, recreation, education and communication. It also makes it possible to carry out joint projects, share knowledge and work across borders.
Connecting, protecting and experiencing without borders
Over the past 25 years, this collaboration has yielded tangible results. Projects have contributed to the restoration of heathland, fens, woods, inland dunes and wetland habitats. Efforts have also been made to improve water quality and water management, and to strengthen ecological corridors across the national border.
At the same time, the opportunities to experience the area have grown significantly. Walking and mountain-biking routes, viewing points, visitor centres, guided tours, educational programmes and activities for young people bring residents and visitors closer to nature. In this way, the protection and enjoyment of the landscape go hand in hand.
Volunteers make all the difference
During the anniversary celebrations, the volunteers take centre stage. They guide visitors, monitor species, maintain trails, supervise young people, keep watch in the fire tower, welcome visitors and support nature conservation. They are often affiliated with various organisations, but together they form an indispensable network around the Grenspark.
Chris Vander Sypt, a volunteer from the very beginning and the driving force behind the Nareka nature guides, organised and led countless walks in the area.
“I’ve been able to work very well with Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide over the last few years. There’s been a lot of support from Grenspark in explaining projects and, for example, imparting knowledge about nature monitoring in the area to the guides. It’s impressive how Grenspark , together with other volunteers, monitors the evolution of species. That really adds immense value to the walks we organise.”
It also keeps track of cross-border nature restoration projects.
“I was closely involved in the walks organised as part of the Life HELA project in the Ossendrecht Dunes. The cross-border collaboration on that project was truly wonderful, and I still enjoy visiting the area. It has become a beautiful stretch of heathland.”
Moving forward with confidence
This anniversary provides an opportunity not only to look back, but also to look ahead. The 2023 masterplan broadens the perspective to encompass a wider region and potential new partners. This vision builds on what 25 years of collaboration have proven: working together across borders delivers greater benefits for nature, the landscape, residents and visitors.
