Kalmthoutse Heide (Stappersven)

The Stappersven is part of the cross-border nature reserve Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. This transboundary area is an important link in the network of internationally valuable nature reserves. It is quite unique to find heathland, fens, drifting dunes and forests so continuously connected and spread across such a large area. Many rare and vulnerable species call it home.

The Stappersven offers magnificent panoramic views. It features open and semi-open landscapes, with heathland fens surrounded by vast forested areas. Dune systems, dry and wet heath, peat-extracted marshes, and structurally rich oak-birch forests are all valuable parts of the landscape. You’ll also find Scots pine forests and grassy roughs dominated by purple moor grass. The Stappersven is one of the largest heathland fens in Flanders.

The nutrient-poor fens and depressions are marked by blooming white cotton grass in spring. These areas are a paradise for dragonflies and damselflies, including the spotted darter and crescent bluet. Moor frogs and great crested newts also inhabit the area.

The Stappersven is an important wintering site for greylag geese, white-fronted geese, ducks and whooper swans. In summer, it becomes lively with large groups of ducks and black-headed gulls. Black-necked grebes and goldeneyes also spend the summer here.

Heather species such as common heather, cross-leaved heath, and purple moor grass dominate the vegetation, but rare species like bog asphodel, marsh gentian, and sundew also appear in the wetter zones. These areas provide host plants for butterflies such as the silver-studded blue and the large heath. The Stappersven is the only place in Flanders where both the smooth snake and the adder occur together

Click here for more information about Stappersven

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

Click here to install Obsidentify.
 

Photo: stappersven, Jeroen Menten