Merode – Helschot

Protected forest reserve
Discover this valuable forest reserve that comprises at least 60 hectares. Here nature has a free hand, so that all kinds of plants that usually occur in old-growth forests can thrive. Think five-faced bishop, wood anemone, marsh marigold, alderflower sedge, sparse sedge, enchanter’s nightshade, European spindle, false lily of the valley, greater stitchwort, but also rare gems such as common agrimony and tormentil. English and Cornish oak are the most common species of tree, along with poplar and a few conifers. Willow tits, bullfinches, nightingales, woodpeckers and white admirals – the latter a species of butterfly – live on the wealth of nourishment they find in this forest.

 The role of Kempens Landschap
In 2004, our organisation bought 3.5 hectares of woods and meadows in order to guarantee the unity of the landscape. Helschot is part of the Merode area. For centuries, the domain was property of the princes of Merode. In 2004, the Flemish Community bought the adjacent greenspace of around 1,500 hectares in order to be able to preserve it in its entirety. This was the start of a regional project to which Kempens Landschap also contributed. In 2006, our organisation bought the Beeltjes and the Kwarekken, Witput in Herselt, and the building Den Eik in Laakdal. An integrated plan taking into account nature, culture, recreation and the local economy was drawn up for the entire area.