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De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park Overview

De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park, known locally as Grenspark De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide, is a protected nature reserve spanning the border between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Covering approximately 15 square miles (37 square kilometers), this park is a unique collaboration between the two countries, preserving an ecologically rich and diverse landscape. It is situated in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands and the province of Antwerp in Belgium, offering visitors a seamless experience across international boundaries.

The terrain of the park is characterized by an expansive heathland landscape, which is one of the last remaining extensive heath areas in the region. This landscape is shaped by dry and wet heath, shifting sand dunes, fens, and woodlands, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a wide array of flora and fauna. The park is particularly renowned for its vast stretches of purple heather, which bloom in late summer, painting the land in a vibrant hue.

The forests, predominantly composed of Scots pine and oak, provide a contrasting element to the open heathland, while scattered fens and ponds attract a diverse range of species. The Kalmthoutse Heide section is the most well-known part of the park, offering vast views and an almost otherworldly landscape of sandy plains and heather fields.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find an array of fascinating species within the park. Among the most notable mammals are roe deer, foxes, and European badgers, which roam the heathland and woodlands.

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it provides shelter for a variety of bird species, including the European nightjar, woodlark, and tree pipit. Raptors such as the common buzzard and Eurasian hobby can be spotted soaring above the landscape. The numerous wetlands and fens attract waterbirds such as greylag geese and great crested grebes. Additionally, the park supports a rich diversity of insects, including rare butterfly species like the silver-studded blue.

Popular features of the park include the extensive network of walking and cycling trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. The Wandelgebied Kalmthoutse Heide is one of the most visited areas, offering scenic hiking routes that pass through the striking heather fields and sand dunes.

There are also several observation points that provide panoramic views of the heathland and its wildlife. The park is home to visitor centers, such as the De Vroente Nature Education Center in Belgium, where visitors can learn about the park’s biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts. In the Netherlands, the Staartse Duinen area is a popular spot for both hiking and nature photography.

Visitors can engage with the park in various ways, from leisurely walks and long-distance hikes to cycling and wildlife observation. Several designated routes provide opportunities for immersive experiences, with marked trails leading through the varied terrain.

Guided tours and educational programs are available to deepen visitors’ understanding of the park’s ecosystem. During late summer, many visitors come to witness the stunning bloom of the heather, a seasonal spectacle that transforms the landscape into shades of purple.

Conservation remains a key priority in the management of the park, as the delicate heathland ecosystem faces challenges such as climate change, nitrogen deposition, and habitat fragmentation. Efforts to restore and maintain the heathland involve controlled grazing by sheep and cattle, as well as the removal of encroaching trees to preserve the open landscape.

Collaborative projects between Belgian and Dutch conservation organizations have been successful in protecting endangered species and improving biodiversity. The park’s cross-border status has also allowed for shared conservation strategies that ensure its long-term ecological health.

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Park Map
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De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park Highlights

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De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park, spanning the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, is a vast heathland ecosystem with a rich diversity of wildlife. The park features sandy soils, heath, fens, and forests, creating a habitat for many fascinating species of mammals, reptiles, and insects.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A graceful and common sight in the park, the European roe deer is a small, reddish-brown deer with a white rump patch. They are most active at dawn and dusk, often seen grazing in open heathland or along forest edges.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
These strong and intelligent animals roam the park’s woodlands, foraging for roots, nuts, and small animals. Wild boars are known for their nocturnal habits and keen sense of smell, which helps them locate food beneath the forest floor.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a highly adaptable predator found throughout the park. With its reddish fur, bushy tail, and sharp intelligence, this carnivore hunts small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging when needed.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal and secretive species, the European badger lives in underground burrows called setts. Recognizable by its black-and-white striped face, the badger is an omnivore, feeding on earthworms, fruits, and small animals.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
One of the few venomous snakes in the region, the common adder prefers sunny spots in heathlands and forest edges. Despite its venom, it is generally not aggressive and avoids human encounters.

Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis)
This striking green and brown lizard thrives in the sandy heathlands of the park. Males display a vivid green coloration during the breeding season, making them a beautiful yet elusive species to spot.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Often seen at dusk or during the night, the European hedgehog is a small, spiny mammal that feeds on insects, worms, and slugs. It plays an important role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

West European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Another important insectivore in the park, this hedgehog curls into a tight ball when threatened. As a nocturnal forager, it helps control insect populations and is a favorite among nature lovers.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
A non-venomous snake often found near water bodies in the park, the grass snake preys on amphibians and fish. It is an excellent swimmer and can sometimes be seen basking in the sun near wetlands.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This elusive and agile predator is known for its climbing ability. With its dark brown fur and distinctive cream-colored throat patch, the pine marten preys on small mammals, birds, and fruits, making it an essential part of the food chain.

Birds

De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide is home to a rich variety of bird species, ranging from raptors to wading birds. The park’s heathlands, wetlands, and forests provide ideal habitats for many resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Eurasian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
A master of camouflage, the Eurasian nightjar is a nocturnal bird that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. It is known for its distinctive churring song and erratic flight while hunting insects at dusk.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
A frequent sight hovering over open heathland, the common kestrel hunts small rodents and insects. Its ability to hover in place while scanning for prey makes it one of the most fascinating raptors in the park.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Unlike other raptors, this species specializes in eating wasp larvae, often raiding nests for food. Its migration patterns take it from Europe to Africa, making it a seasonal visitor to the park.

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Recognizable by its striking black and white tail pattern, the northern wheatear is a ground-dwelling songbird found in open heathlands. It undertakes an impressive migration, traveling from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa each year.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Nicknamed the “butcher bird,” the great grey shrike impales its prey—usually insects and small vertebrates—on thorns or barbed wire. It is a rare but fascinating sight in the park’s open landscapes.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
This small, ground-nesting bird is known for its melodic song, often heard in the early mornings over heathland areas. The woodlark thrives in the open landscapes of De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide.

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
A small and striking bird, the European stonechat perches on shrubs and low branches, often flicking its wings and tail. Males have a bold black head and orange chest, while females are more muted in color.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
One of the largest woodpecker species in Europe, the black woodpecker is unmistakable with its jet-black body and bright red crown. It plays a key role in creating nesting holes for other bird species.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Gliding low over wetlands and open fields, the Western marsh harrier is a skilled hunter of small mammals and birds. It is distinguished by its broad wings and slow, graceful flight.

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
A summer visitor to the park, the red-backed shrike is known for its distinctive hunting technique, where it impales insects and small vertebrates on thorns for later consumption. Males have a striking black mask and reddish-brown back.

This diverse range of species makes De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park an essential destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

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