Heesbossen, Vallei van Marke en Merkske en Ringven

General Description
These rivers form the ideal connection between various different landscapes such as deciduous and valley forests, grasslands, heathlands, and transitional fens. You can also find one of the last remaining sites in Flanders for the glossy oat grasslands (Arrhenatheretum elatioris), home to the rare Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis).

Identification
The Valley of the Mark is located in the Noorderkempen, near the Dutch border. The area is situated in the northern part of the province of Antwerp and consists of five sub-areas spread across the municipalities of Hoogstraten, Rijkevorsel, and Merksplas. Four of the five sub-areas are connected by the river Mark and the Heerlese and Strijbeekse streams.

Landscape Description
The area is characterized by dry deciduous forests, heathlands with ponds and transitional fens, and valley nature. The Strijbeekse Loop and the upper stretch of the Mark before its confluence with the Merkske still follow their original, meandering courses. In the valley, you will find various small alder woods, poplar groves, and grasslands.

Who is Active in the Area
Most of the land is privately owned, including the castle park of the De Hees sub-area and the Valley of the Upper Mark. The Agency for Nature and Forests owns just over one-third of the land. Agriculture still plays an important role, with 91 active farms covering 162 hectares. This share will significantly decrease after the completion of two land consolidation projects. Lastly, several water management authorities are active in the area, including the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), the provincial watercourse service, the Watering Beneden-Mark, and the Dutch water board Brabantse Delta.

Click here for more information about 'Het Merkske' in this Natura 2000-area!

Click here to go to the Bioblitz page of this Natura 2000 area.

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Photo: Het Merkske, Wim Verschraegen