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A particularly accessible nature reserve
Natuurgebied het Gastels laag is a special piece of nature in Halderberge. Since 1995, only limited agriculture has been allowed here to allow the special nature to take its course. The area is home to more than 180 different species of flowers and plants, some of which are on the red list of vulnerable plants. You will discover the special area on foot, alone or with a guide specialised in macro photography.
History
Peat extraction from 1245 onwards excavated large tracts of the area to serve as fuel for stoves in villages and towns. The ancient soils disappeared under a layer of clay during the Elizabeth Flood. Agricultural use of the Gastels laag was difficult in the 16th and 17th centuries due to the low fertility of the soil. The area became feral with reed beds, swampy grounds and forests. The area was even dangerous if you didn't know your way around. Its location on the border of higher sand and lower clay land created a special mix of flowers, trees and shrubs. These plants grow here because of the nutrient-poor soil combined with seepage water. Over the years, this seepage water has been increasingly filtered through the fine sandy soil therefore there are almost no nutrients in this water.
The Boot Trail
Together with volunteers, the Langenberg Foundation has set out a route of about 1.2 kilometres in the area that is especially worthwhile in spring. The route can be found on the cycling and hiking routes.