Red Heath Reserve expands significantly

The nature reserve is located along the highway in Sint-Andries and in Snellegem. There are some special types of heather, including red heath. A new forest is planted on the purchased land. There will also be flowery grassland. “For the nearest growing place for the red heath, you have to go to the distant Kempen, near Maasmechelen. It is therefore a historical natural wealth that we can manage with this,” says alderman Mercedes Van Volcem.

The piece of land that will be added is historically the Sint-Andriesveld. Part of the property of the former St. Andrew’s Abbey. “The Red Heath Reserve may be less known to the general public than Beisbroek and Tudor on the city side – the north side – of the E40. But this area has just as much natural value to offer. A plan to open it up is in the works. With the major expansion of the domain, it will undoubtedly gain fame,” says Van Volcem.

“It’s fantastic that we can use this legislature to expand forests and nature,” said Mayor Dirk De Fauw.