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Scheps walk

  • Author: TrailExplorer

Scheps Nature Reserve

This walk goes through the beautiful nature reserve Scheps and the green surroundings of Olmen. The Scheps nature reserve lies in the upper course of the Grote Nete valley, between Olmen and the hamlet of Scheps. All sorts of affluents, such as the Asbeek, the Visbeek and the Hanske Selsloop, join the Grote Nete here. The valley is therefore at its widest here. Although the rusty-brown water color might suggest otherwise, the water quality in the streams is good, which means that the fish stocks are very varied. Brook prick and roadside are just a few examples of this.

Distance: 10 km.

Time: 2h30.

Grade: Easy.

Type: Circular.

Gps Track: Yes.

Route description: Yes.

Wheelchair: Not suitable.

Dog: Allowed.

Height gain: Flat.

Trail: Paved and unpaved.

Marking: Walking nodes.

Hiking shoes recommended.

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Scheps Nature Reserve.

From the Halflochtdijk you walk over a wooden path and go to a bird wall on the edge of a wetland area. Afterwards it is pure enjoyment of the open landscapes. The route goes in the second part through the green surroundings of Olmen.

Scheps Nature Reserve

Waterproof hiking shoes are recommended because some pieces can be very wet.

Map & Poi's.

POI 1 - Scheps Nature Reserve.

The Scheps nature reserve lies in the upper reaches of the Grote Nete valley, between the Olmen district and the Scheps hamlet. All sorts of affluents, such as the Asbeek, the Visbeek and the Hanske Selsloop, join the Grote Nete here. The valley is therefore at its widest here. Although the rusty-brown water color might suggest otherwise, the water quality in the streams is good, which means that the fish stocks are very varied. Brook prick and roadside are just a few examples of this. For years the valley has been used for small-scale agriculture. By digging canals and ditches the wet area could be slightly dehydrated. But from the 1980s many farmers stopped. The plots were too wet and too small, and the yield was too small. Since then the drainage canals are no longer maintained and the area is covered. The plots are dilapidated and nature can get going again. Marsh plants such as angelica, meadowsweet, valerian, meadow, marshwood and wild mountain grass add color to the landscape and attract many insects. In the valley a varied nature area has been created, with marshes and forest forests. In order to further develop the marshy nature reserve, a number of ponds have been dug, where frogs, toads and salamanders find a good living environment. On the Olmen side there are still many meadows in use. The grasslands that are owned by the Agency for Nature and Forest have a nature-friendly management (no fertilization or pesticides, late mowing so that birds can breed). The preservation of those meadows is very important. Meadow birds such as the curlew, with its downwardly bent bill, and the crested lapwing need the tall grass to hide their nest. In addition, they hunt above and among the grass on all kinds of insects. Other special breeding birds that have found their way to this natural pearl are red-breasted, blue-breasted, little owl and of course the kingfisher, which is a real attraction with its bright blue plumage and dives in the water to catch fish. Apart from a few shelter for cattle, there is no building in this nature reserve and there are no paved roads. This reinforces the natural character of the area. It is a natural flooding area, which has become extremely rare and must therefore be protected with the utmost care. (source: www.balen.be).

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos.
www.natuurenbos.be