Beerse: Eksterheide, Kievitsheide

Description

The route passes through the Eksterheide nature reserve towards the Dessel-Schoten canal.

Along the canal, over the Zuiderdijk, to the Vlimmersebaan, briefly followed until you turn left onto the Minnekepoespad, which leads to the Kievitsheide.

The Eksterheide is home to many rare plant and animal species, such as the black woodpecker, nightjar, tree pipit, field cricket, and a small daytime butterfly species, the grizzled skipper. These species rely on heathland or grassland.

The Kievitsheide was once part of the vast Abtsheide, which covered more than 900 hectares across the present-day municipalities of Beerse, Merksplas, and Rijkevorsel. A large part of the historical "Kievit Heyde" was excavated in the 19th century for clay extraction. The remaining parts were planted with conifers.

Note: when following junction points, there is a change at junction 37, and junction 33 can no longer be found. GPS or an app is recommended.

More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/is8CuhN9Bj7uS48F8
Eddy, Rita, and Prinske

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