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.